Experimental Research!

            For this week’s Blog I wanted to talk about the concept of Experimental Research. Over this semester I have spoken about various research methods and types of research which you! can perform. Organizations throughout the United States use the tools of research to progress in their field; experimental research is one of those vital tools which they can perform.

            Experimental research is extremely important to the American Cancer Society, experimental research allows the organization and scientists to research cancer and create new innovative treatments. American Cancer Society is fighting back each and every day to find a cure for Cancer. On ACS’s website one can find multiple experimental research projects which they have performed and are currently performing over the years. One of the most interesting experimental research projects which ACS is currently discussing on their website is regarding breast cancer imaging.

ACS explains,

“Research in the field of breast imaging is continuing in order to

• Find more cancers even before they can be felt by the patient or her doctor
• Find even smaller cancers than those now detected by mammograms
• Find better ways to tell the difference between benign (not cancer) breast conditions and breast cancers”

This experimental research can be a huge step in the medical world for cancer and save thousands of lives and help celebrate more birthdays!

            Through research ACS has been studying the different forms of nuclear medicine. According to ACS, nuclear medicine “... (Also called nuclear scans) inject small amounts of slightly radioactive substances into the body and use special cameras to see where they go. Depending on the substance used, different types of abnormalities may be found. Unlike most other imaging tests that are based on changes tumors cause in the body's structure, nuclear medicine scans depend on changes in tissue metabolism.” Scintimammography (molecular breast imaging), Tomosynthesis (3-D mammography), Electrical impedance imaging (T-scan), Thermography (thermal imaging), Optical imaging are the types of experimental testing for research which American Cancer Society has been performing. Other experimental research is being done during this time for breast cancer imaging research.

If you would like to read more about these experimental research methods please visit this Link! ACS describes each nuclear medicine examples I have listed.