Several studies have looked at the benefits of adding handheld breast ultrasound and automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) to a screening mammogram. Results have shown that it increases cancer detection and sensitivity, particularly in cases of women with dense breasts.
Automated breast ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to take 3D images of the whole breast, targeting specific areas and ensuring they are displayed in a reproducible fashion. It’s a fast and almost painless procedure which can look at both breasts in about 15 minutes. ABUS is especially beneficial to women with dense breast tissue.
You can’t tell by look or feel whether or not you have dense breasts. It’s a diagnosis that can only be assessed by mammography. Dense breasts have less fat and more glandular and connective tissue. On a mammogram, fatty tissue looks dark, while both dense tissue and tumours look white, making them hard to detect. The white-looking breast cancers are easier to see on a mammogram when they’re surrounded by dark-looking fatty tissue.
For women with dense breast, a mammogram may be harder to read, so smaller cancers may be hidden. At Mayfair Diagnostics, we use the Volpara Health Technologies program which scores breast density from A to D:
In cases of high breast density, ABUS allows the technologist to check the breast from a variety of angles offering more accurate interpretations. For extremely dense (Volpara D), or heterogeneously dense breast tissue (Volpara C) combined with additional risk factors for breast malignancy, Mayfair recommends supplemental ABUS or handheld breast ultrasound, in addition to regular mammograms.
Dense breast tissue increases the risk of breast cancer, especially in older women. For women with dense breast tissue in 75 percent or more of their breasts, their breast cancer risk is double relative to the general population.
Mammography is still the gold standard for breast cancer screening. However, 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.
Mayfair Diagnostics has 14 mammography locations, which have all been updated recently with the newest technology. Thirteen of our mammography locations also feature patient-assisted compression – which helps provide a more comfortable mammogram. Coventry Hills has an upgraded mammography system but doesn’t offer patient-assisted compression.
Automated breast ultrasound is available at our Market Mall, Mayfair Place, Southcentre, and The CORE locations. Please visit our breast imaging services page for more information.
Advani, S. M., et al. (2021) “Association of Breast Density With Breast Cancer Risk Among Women Aged 65 Years or Older by Age Group and Body Mass Index.” JAMA Network Open. 2021;4(8). Accessed October 20, 2022.
Alberta Health Services Breast Cancer Screening Programs (2022) “Breast Cancer Screening.” www.screeningforlife.ca. Accessed October 20, 2022.
Canadian Cancer Society (2022) “Breast cancer statistics.” www.cancer.ca. Accessed October 20, 2022.
Canadian Cancer Society (2022) “Breast density.” www.cancer.ca. Accessed October 20, 2022.
Eske, J. (2019) “How do the breasts change with age and why?” www.medicalnewstoday.com. Accessed October 20, 2022.
Łuczyńska, E., et al. (2022) “The Role of ABUS in The Diagnosis of Breast Cancer.” Journal of Ultrasonography. 2022 Apr; 22(89): 76–85. Accessed October 20, 2022.
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
We show pride, enthusiasm, and dedication in everything that we do. We are committed to producing and delivering high-quality results and services. We are passionate about our industry and about our company, services, partners, and patients.
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.
SERVICE
We take pride in delivering exceptional service every day. We listen to every request with an open mind, always looking for opportunities to go above and beyond to create memorable, personalized experiences. We take responsibility to answer our referrers’ and patients’ requests and respect their time by always responding with a sense of urgency.
Join Mayfair Diagnostics, recognized as one of Western Canada’s premier medical imaging organizations. With a century-long legacy and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Mayfair Diagnostics is dedicated to assisting patients in achieving clarity regarding their health.
Operating clinics in Calgary and surrounding areas, Regina, and Saskatoon, our multidisciplinary team of radiologists, technologists, and support staff collaborate seamlessly to deliver high quality patient care. Working here is more than just a job; it’s a strong step towards your future.
OUR TEAMS
We are a dedicated group of professionals who combine skill with compassion to deliver attentive care to our patients. As a reliable partner in their health care journey, we provide high-quality imaging that assists patients, physicians, and other providers in making informed health decisions. Our work goes beyond imaging; it’s about fostering relationships and positively impacting everyone we serve.
OUR VISION
We envision a world where every person has clarity about their health. We innovate and welcome change, promoting leadership and creativity through safe risk-taking. We share best practices, earn peer recognition for our work, and engage top talent to reach our goals.
We strive to be thought leaders and encourage creativity by providing a safe place for calculated risk taking.
We share best practices across our operations and are recognized by our peers for our work. We engage the best to help propel us forward in achieving our goals.
