The Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging (CBR), together with the Brazilian Society of Mastology (SBM), the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (Febrasgo), the Brazilian Federation of Philanthropic Institutions Supporting Breast Health (FEMAMA), and the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology (SBOC), issued a technical note on the use of breast thermography devices in pharmacies without a doctor's order. The document was released on October 31st.
The Brazilian Association of Pharmacies and Drugstores (ABRAFARMA) reported last month that two pharmacy chains began offering "breast thermography" exams without requiring a doctor's referral. However, a technical note issued by medical societies states that: "although presented as a preventive and early diagnostic measure, this initiative has serious technical, ethical, and regulatory limitations."
According to the statement issued by the societies, there is no scientific evidence to prove the sensitivity, specificity, or positive impact of the method in screening or diagnosing breast cancer. Breast thermography, the method used in this procedure, uses infrared sensors to map temperature differences in the breasts, under the hypothesis that thermal changes indicate tumors.
The statement also informs that: “thermal activity devices, including infrared thermography, are not recommended for screening, diagnosis or monitoring of breast cancer, alone or in combination with mammography.” The societies further emphasize that mammography remains the only proven effective examination in reducing breast cancer mortality.