Breast cancer screening saves lives—and we’re seeing the proof. Over the past several decades, death rates from breast cancer have steadily declined, thanks to earlier detection and better treatments.
One of the most effective tools we have is mammography. A mammogram is a simple X-ray that looks inside the breast tissue and can detect changes long before they can be felt. Finding cancer early often means more treatment options, less aggressive care, and better outcomes.
There are two main types of mammograms. Screening mammograms are done when there are no symptoms and can help catch cancer early. Diagnostic mammograms are used when there’s a concern such as a lump or other change. Regular screening is especially important because it allows healthcare providers to compare images over time and spot even small changes.
Most screening mammograms are done for women, typically starting at about age 40, though recommendations may vary. Men don’t usually need routine screening mammograms but if they are at a higher risk such as with certain genetic factors, they may benefit from a screening mammogram.
Mayfair Diagnostics recommends patients have a screening mammogram every year from age 40 to 49, then every two years between age 50 and 75, if there are no risks factors that would necessitate a shorter interval. After age 75, screening frequency will depend on several factors, including your medical history.
Mayfair’s recommendations for breast screening are aligned with the Canadian Association of Radiologists.
When considering breast screening, it’s important to understand both the benefits and the potential risks. The two main concerns are radiation exposure and overdiagnosis.
Mammograms use a very small amount of radiation—about the same as what you’re naturally exposed to over six months. For most women, this risk is very low, especially compared to the benefits of detecting cancer early.
Sometimes screening finds cancers that would not have caused harm. This can lead to unnecessary treatment or stress from false positives. Current research estimates this happens in about 10% of cases.
However, studies also show that not participating in screening can increase the risk of dying from breast cancer by up to 60%.
The bottom line is that for many women, the benefits of regular screening outweigh the risks.
Early detection is the main goal of breast cancer screening. When cancer is found through imaging before it can be felt—such as before a lump develops—it is often smaller and easier to treat. Detecting cancer at an early stage can allow for less invasive treatment, including the possibility of breast-conserving surgery. In many cases, smaller cancers may also reduce the need for treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. These include having a personal history of breast or ovarian cancer, or having one or more first-degree relatives (such as a parent, sibling, or child) who have been diagnosed with these conditions. Risk is also higher for individuals who carry certain gene mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, or who have a first-degree relative with these mutations. In addition, women who received radiation therapy to the chest before age 30 or within the past eight years may have an increased risk.
Individuals with these risk factors are considered at higher risk and may benefit from starting screening earlier and undergoing it more frequently.
Increasingly, breast density is being recognized as a significant risk factor. Dense breast tissue refers to how it appears on the mammogram based on the mix of fatty and fibrous tissue. Density is not related to breast size. Women with very dense breasts may require a more personalized screening approach than what is recommended for the general population. This may include both mammography and ultrasound exams to get a more fulsome view of the breast tissue.
A mammogram takes just 15 minutes and can offer lasting peace of mind. This quick screening plays an important role in detecting breast cancer early—often before symptoms appear—helping you take a proactive step toward your health.
Screening recommendations can vary, but the decision is ultimately yours. Understanding the benefits and risks of mammograms and discussing your personal and family history with your doctor, can help you choose what’s right for you.
Mayfair Diagnostics offers screening mammograms at 14 Calgary-area clinics using Senographe Pristina technology, which provides a more comfortable experience, including patient-assisted compression that lets you adjust pressure under the technologist’s guidance. Visit our breast imaging page for more information.
Alberta Health Services “Breast Screening.” www.screeningforlife.ca. Accessed March 26, 2026.
Canadian Association of Radiologists CAR-Breast-Disease-Referral-Guideline.pdf. Accessed March 26, 2026
Canadian Cancer Society “Breast cancer statistics.” www.cancer.ca. Accessed March 26, 2026.
Dense Breasts Canada What are the facts about radiation and mammograms? | Dense Breasts Canada Accessed March 26, 2026
Tabar, L., et al. (2019) “The incidence of fatal breast cancer measures the increased effectiveness of therapy in women participating in mammography screening.” Cancer. Accessed March 26, 2026.
We foster a supportive and collaborative culture designed to encourage positive patient experiences and build strong working relationships across the organization:
Our core values shape the way we work with patients, partners, and fellow employees. And, more than anything else, they’re what set Mayfair apart. In everything we do, this is what we strive for:
EXCELLENCE
We share a commitment to high quality and excellence in all that we do. This commitment calls on all of us to achieve the very best of our capabilities and exceed our own expectations.
CURIOSITY
We innovate in everything, from services to processes. We believe meaningful change and effective problem solving come only by looking at challenges and opportunities from new angles and by exercising our creativity and curiosity.
PASSION
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COLLABORATION
Our team is supportive of each other’s efforts; we are loyal to one another; and we care for one another both personally and professionally. We promote and support a diverse, yet unified, team. We work together to meet our common goals across Mayfair clinics, locations, and geographies. Only through collaboration on ideas, technologies, and talents can we achieve our mission and vision.
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