Featuring insights from the Energize and Revitalize Podcast — “Barbells and Breast Cancer” with Dr. Amy
Learn the pros and cons of thermography and mammography for breast cancer screening. Dr. Amy discusses early detection, lifestyle prevention, and how exercise, nutrition, and hormone balance play key roles in women’s breast health.
Breast cancer prevention and early detection remain two of the most important conversations in women’s health. While traditional mammography is still considered the standard screening tool, thermography has gained popularity as a non-invasive, radiation-free alternative.
In the Energize and Revitalize podcast episode, “Barbells and Breast Cancer,” Dr. Amy dives into the importance of exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer and also support recovery for breast cancer survivors.
Understanding Mammography
Mammography is an X-ray of the breast designed to detect tumors, calcifications, and other structural changes before they can be felt.
Pros of Mammography:
- ✅ Proven effectiveness in detecting breast cancer early
- ✅ Widely available and covered by insurance
- ✅ Can identify microcalcifications and structural abnormalities
Cons of Mammography:
- ⚠️ Uses low-dose radiation
- ⚠️ Can be uncomfortable or painful
- ⚠️ May result in false positives or unnecessary biopsies
- ⚠️ Less effective for dense breast tissue
For women over 40 or those at higher risk, mammograms remain an important part of breast health screening — but it’s also worth understanding complementary tools like thermography.
What Is Thermography?
Thermography (Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging) measures heat and blood flow patterns on the skin’s surface. Since inflammation and abnormal tissue growth can increase temperature, thermography can reveal early functional changes before a tumor forms.
Pros of Thermography:
- ✅ 100% radiation-free and non-invasive
- ✅ No compression or discomfort
- ✅ Can detect physiological changes that may precede tumor formation
- ✅ Useful for women with dense breast tissue or breast implants
Cons of Thermography:
- ⚠️ Not a replacement for diagnostic imaging — it doesn’t show anatomical structure
- ⚠️ May not detect small or deep tumors
- ⚠️ Results depend heavily on technician skill and image interpretation
- ⚠️ Often not covered by insurance
At Amethyst Wellness, we encourage an integrative approach — thermography can complement, but not replace, mammography. When used together, they can provide both structural and functional insight into your breast health.
Lifestyle: The Third Piece of the Puzzle
Screening is important, but prevention begins long before imaging.
In Barbells and Breast Cancer, Dr. Amy emphasizes that your daily choices — exercise, nutrition, sleep, and stress management — play a powerful role in lowering breast cancer risk.
Here’s what the research shows:
- 💪 Exercise reduces estrogen dominance, inflammation, and insulin resistance — all key risk factors for breast cancer.
- 🥦 Nutrition rich in antioxidants, cruciferous vegetables, and healthy fats supports hormone metabolism and detoxification.
- 🧘♀️ Stress reduction through mindfulness, yoga, or community connection helps regulate cortisol and immune function.
- 😴 Sleep is when your body repairs DNA and balances hormones — aim for 7–9 hours each night.
A healthy lifestyle not only supports breast health but also enhances overall vitality and longevity.
The Role of Hormone Balance in Breast Health
Many women are understandably concerned about how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might affect breast cancer risk. Research continues to evolve, and bioidentical hormone therapy, when properly prescribed and monitored, may offer benefits for bone, brain, and heart health without increasing risk for most women.
Dr. Amy encourages individualized care — assessing hormone levels, family history, and lifestyle factors — before making any decisions about HRT.
Bottom Line
Both mammography and thermography have valuable roles in breast health monitoring.
- Mammograms provide anatomical detail for diagnosis.
- Thermography offers functional insight into early inflammation and tissue activity.
- Lifestyle provides the foundation for prevention and wellness.
Combining these tools — along with a proactive approach to fitness, nutrition, and hormone balance — gives women the best chance for long-term breast health.
🎧 Listen to the Podcast: “Barbells and Breast Cancer”
Join Dr. Amy on the Energize and Revitalize podcast as she explores how movement, strength training, and self-care empower women to take control of their health.