Review of the effectiveness of infrared thermal imaging (thermography) for population screening and diagnostic testing of breast cancer

Review of the effectiveness of infrared thermal imaging (thermography) for population screening and diagnostic testing of breast cancer Review of the effectiveness of infrared thermal imaging (thermography) for population screening and diagnostic testing of breast cancer. Christchurch Hospital) who provided valuable advice and input. We are grateful to the authors who provided assistance in the retrieval of articles for this review: Montreal). We are also grateful to those from the fields of breast screening, medical physics/bioengineering, radiology and infrared thermal imaging who provided advice regarding available literature. DISCLAIMER NZHTA takes great care to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied within the project timeframe, but neither NZHTA nor the University of Otago can accept responsibility for any errors or omissions that may occur. NZHTA and the University of Otago along with their employees accept no liability for any loss of whatever kind, or damage, arising from the reliance in whole or part, by any person, corporate or natural, on the contents of this paper. This document is not intended to be used as personal health advice; people seeking individual medical advice are referred to their physician. The views expressed in this report are those of NZHTA and do not necessarily represent those of the University of Otago, or the New Zealand Ministry of Health. Tech Briefs are rapidly produced assessments of the best available evidence for a topic of highly limited scope. They are less rigorous than systematic reviews. Best evidence is indicated by research designs which are least susceptible to bias according to evidence levels adapted from Bandolier that categorise studies of diagnostic methods according to susceptibility for bias (see Appendix 1). Where methodologically acceptable and applicable, appraised evidence is limited to systematic reviews, meta-analyses, evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, health technology assessments and randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Where not available, poorer quality evidence may be considered. iii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background Over the last few years, modern digital infrared thermal imaging (thermography) has become available to patients in New Zealand through privately-financed providers. The National Screening Unit (NSU) in New Zealand is receiving inquiries about the effectiveness of infrared thermography in the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. The aim of this review is to provide the NSU with independent information from which to respond to these queries and to assist New Zealand patients and clinicians in making informed choices about the role of infrared thermography in the screening …