SAN DIEGO -- New high-resolution infrared cameras are helping doctors find breast cancer early.

Some physicians are using a non-invasive test that may be able to detect breast cancer in the earliest stages.

A flashing light is part of a new, high-tech tool used to detect breast cancer.

A special infrared digital camera detects temperature changes that in effect make a thumbprint of the breast.

The new test is called thermography, a 10-minute test that uses infrared imaging of the breast to detect temperature variations related to blood flow.

"If you pick up something a quarter of a degree Celsius change than that is reflective of something physiologically at a cellular level is happening," said Rose Clinic radiologist Dr. Jeanne Stryker.

While mammography relies primarily on finding they physical tumor, thermology is based on detecting the increased blood flow and metabolic changes associated with a tumor’s beginning and growth.

Stryker said the faster a malignant tumor grows, the more heat it generates.

"Certain skin changes are a reflection of what's really going on in each organ system," said Stryker.

An infrared imaging can zero in on a pre-cancerous abnormality or the presence of an early tumor that is not yet large enough to be detected by physical examination, mammography or other types of imaging.

Dorothy Sanders has had two experiences with breast thermography.

"I think this is a technology to use when the time has come for it," said Sanders.

Sanders had a follow-up test to confirm earlier findings. Stryker said finding a suspicious area in the earliest stages means more treatment options for Sanders.

"Thank you for telling me that because I know that early detection can mean it's highly treatable," said Sanders.

Sanders said the colorful images gave her the peace of mind she needed to fight breast cancer.

"Apparently from this we can see that it looks good, that we can do something about it," said Sanders.

Studies show up to a 61 percent increase in survival rate when breast thermography and mammography are used together.

You can find out more about thermography and the latest information about women’s health at the Head To Toe Women’s Expo at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

The event will begin Nov. 10 and last through Nov. 12. Free tests on two thermal imaging machines from the Rose Clinic will be available.

For more information about this event, visit the event’s Web site.