• Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, and early detection through trusted screenings like mammography plays a vital role in improving outcomes. 
• Thermography is sometimes promoted as a gentler or more natural screening option, but current evidence shows it has low effectiveness and limited reliability for breast cancer detection. 
• Major medical organizations recommend mammography, not thermography, as the standard screening method for early breast cancer detection. 
• Zion HealthShare supports eligible mammograms through our Preventive Services Program to help members access proven tools for proactive care. 
• As a nonprofit community, Zion HealthShare prioritizes care that is effective, responsible, and rooted in research to protect our shared resources. 

Navigating breast cancer screenings can feel overwhelming. Conflicting advice, evolving technology, and different health philosophies can leave women unsure of what to trust. While early detection of breast cancer is critical, some screening methods are better supported by research than others. 

Why This Matters for Women’s Health 

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, about one in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. Early detection through screening is one of the most important tools in improving survival rates and reducing the severity of treatment. You can learn more about the role of routine cancer screenings in our blog, What You Need to Know About Cancer Screenings. 

When it comes to choosing a screening method, the path is not always clear. In addition to standard mammography, some women explore tools like thermography. Promoted as a gentler or more natural alternative, thermography has gained attention in some holistic or alternative health circles. However, current evidence indicates that its effectiveness as a breast cancer screening tool is low, and it is not recommended as a primary screening method.  

What Is Thermography?  

Thermography, also called digital infrared thermal imaging, uses infrared technology to measure temperature differences on the skin’s surface. Proponents suggest that by identifying areas of heat or inflammation, thermography may detect early signs of disease, including breast cancer. Because it does not involve radiation or compression, it is often presented as a less invasive option compared to traditional mammograms.  

For individuals who prioritize alternative wellness options or have concerns about radiation exposure, thermography may appear appealing. However, studies so far have not yet demonstrated that thermography provides reliable results as a primary screening method for breast cancer.  

What the Medical Community Recommends  

Leading medical organizations, like the American Cancer Society, and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, currently advise against using thermography as a standalone screening tool for breast cancer. 

In contrast, mammography remains the gold standard for breast cancer screening. It uses low-dose X-rays to create detailed images of breast tissue, allowing for the early detection of lumps or abnormalities often before they can be felt. Studies have shown that mammograms can significantly reduce breast cancer mortality by enabling treatment at earlier stages.  

Zion HealthShare’s Position on Screening 

At Zion HealthShare, we aim to support members with preventive care that's both responsible and rooted in trusted medical research. We understand that each person’s health journey is personal, but we also have a responsibility to uphold the safety and effectiveness of the services we share.  
 
That’s why mammograms that meet our member guidelines are eligible for sharing, while thermography is not currently considered eligible under our Member Guidelines.  

Our decisions are guided by our community values: simplicity, transparency, and compassion. We believe in making healthcare more accessible, and easier to understand. When it comes to early detection of breast cancer, we want to support our members in using the most reliable tools currently available. Other screenings, such as ultrasound alone, MRI alone, and thermography, have not yet demonstrated reliable effectiveness for routine population-level screening. This may change in the future, and Zion HealthShare will update sharing guidelines as the evidence evolves. 

How Zion HealthShare Supports Mammograms  

Mammograms can be eligible for sharing as a preventive service once Preventive Services have been included in your membership for at least six months and you are 40 or older. Preventive Services are already included with the Direct Membership for Individuals and Families. For company or organization memberships, it can be added for a small additional monthly fee. Routine 2D or 3D mammograms are eligible for sharing, including the appointment, the exam, and the evaluation of imaging. You can find full details about eligibility and guidelines on our Preventive Sharing page.