The growth rate of breast cancer cells is a rapid and alarming reality.

Within a year, two cells become 16. In four, 16 have advanced to more than 65,000.

And in eight years – the point at which mammography typically detects a problem – those cells have multiplied to approximately four billion.

It’s a scary fact facing all women, who are typically advised to begin routine mammograms around age 45 but are most at risk between 30 and 50.

So, wouldn’t it give you peace of mind if you didn’t have to wait for potentially devastating results but could instead proactively keep track of early indicators to protect your health?

Digital infrared thermal imaging provides that comfort.

The technology - administered locally by the professional team at Beacon Thermography, Inc. - is a non-invasive tool used to identify changes in the body over time. For women concerned with breast health, for example, thermography can begin detecting vascular changes at the one-year mark – when cell count is only at 16.

With early detection, prevention of what can often be fatal illnesses is the ultimate goal. So, when changes in the body are detected earlier, that can translate into better treatment options and a better overall outcome for patients.

And because it is safe and pain-free – no radiation, breast compression or physical contact of any kind – there is no added risk to taking control of your health.

Using a digital infrared camera that measures your body’s surface temperature, certified clinical thermographers and sisters Shelly Laine, Cecilia Laine-Meinhold and Tanis Clark at Beacon Thermography can create a “digital map” of your body, showing heat patterns that could be a sign of a condition or abnormality.

That map is crucial, since tests like x-rays, mammograms and MRIs are only able to provide information on structures within the body. Medical thermal imaging, by comparison, can pick up warning signs like inflammation or angiogenesis – increased blood supply to a growing tumor.

Once captured, the thermal images are reviewed by medical doctors, who are also board-certified thermologists. Taking into consideration a patient’s symptoms, health history and thermography results, the doctor will then report results and may make recommendations.

Often, in the case of abnormal screening results, the recommendation is to seek clinical correlation (e.g. blood work and/ or x-rays, mammograms and ultrasound). In that sense, thermography works in conjunction, not in competition, with traditional screenings like mammograms. In fact, the two tests are quite different yet together can help accurately diagnosis breast cancer as early as possible.

Thermography has been FDA-approved as an adjunct to anatomical testing since 1982, and has received the endorsement of well-known doctors like Joseph Mercola, a leading expert globally in natural health who recommends thermography as the best option for breast cancer screening.

Locally, the technology is available through Beacon at various locations, including Surf City, Leland and at McKay Healing Arts and Shaver Chiropractic in Wilmington. Its primary site is Elite Chiropractic, in the Landfall Shopping Center at 1319 Military Cutoff Road, Unit L.

Dr. Sonya Young, owner of Elite, said the arrival of Beacon, which opened in spring 2016, means the Cape Fear region is finally able to take advantage of the easily accessible and affordable service.

“It is a major step in the right direction, adding a safe effective way to scan the body, especially for women and breast screening,” Dr. Young said. “Many of our patients, as well as I, have already had our thermographic scans, and are excited about the ease of the process, the professional reports/recommendations and quick outcomes this service has offered.”

In addition to breast cancer screenings, thermography can be used to detect a variety of injuries, conditions and illnesses – diabetes, thyroid dysfunction and vascular disease, among them. Many patients opt to have routine full-body screenings as a preventative measure to help ensure optimal health and outcomes at all times and, most importantly, peace of mind.

Certified Clinical Thermographer Shelly Laine and her team at Beacon Thermography, Inc. can provide you with the benefits of well-being through thermography.They offer screening in the following locations: Elite Chiropractic (primary location), Landfall Shopping Center, 1319 Military Cutoff Road, Unit L; McKay Healing Arts Center, Wilmington; Shaver Chiropractic, Wilmington; Cross Creek Commons, Leland; and Health Touch NC LLC, Durham. Visit www.beaconthermography.com or call them at (910) 803-2150.