Thanks to advances in diagnosis and treatment of illness, the life expectancy for both men and women is almost double that of a century ago. Yet, on average, women still continue to live longer than men.
According to Statistics Canada, the average life expectancy at birth for Canadian men is 80, while for Canadian women it’s 84. This gender gap is not only reflected in life expectancies, but also general health and wellness. Men tend to be more burdened by illness during their lifetime.
The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the real inequities that exist in gender health – for every ten women that the pandemic has killed, 13 men have died. In 2022 Canadian men live on average, 4.5-5 years shorter than Canadian women. Of the top thirteen causes of death in Canada – including all cancers, cardiovascular disease, accidental and non-accidental trauma, to name a few – men lead women in 12 of the 13 causes.
Some of this discrepancy can be accounted for by biological factors, which are hard to modify. However, there is a major factor influencing this gap that can be changed – men are less likely to seek medical care. How to change this behavior is an ongoing concern in health care, and is the driving force behind Women for Men’s Health.
Dr. Shelley Spaner is a Calgary radiologist and partner at Mayfair Diagnostics. She is also the founder of Women for Men’s Health – an initiative that encourages women to become active players in closing the gender gap when it comes to health and wellness.
“My father and I used to talk about how great it would be if there was one place people could go to for all of their medical and wellness needs. When I started working with the Prostate Cancer Centre, an incredible facility conveniently located across the hall from the Southern Alberta Institute of Urology, I remembered those discussions. I started talking to some friends about how we could build on that and create a sort of one-stop shop for men’s health,” says Dr. Spaner. “They encouraged me to do something about it.”
So she did. In 2016, the Women for Men’s Health initiative held its first fundraising event – raising money to help support research and awareness in areas impacting men’s health. Since then the group has raised over 500 thousand dollars through fundraising initiatives, and has secured more than one million donor dollars. With some of these funds a men’s health clinic was opened across the hall from the Prostate Cancer Centre in June 2018.
Dr. Spaner has been raising awareness about men’s health through speaking engagements and fundraising initiatives, and was a recipient of the 2019 Pathfinder’s Award from PROSTAID Calgary for demonstrating leadership and contributing to significant advancements in prostate cancer research and treatment. PROSTAID Calgary is a support network that provides peer-to-peer support for men and their families on their journey with prostate cancer.
“They are a wonderful organization that helps care for people who are affected by prostate cancer. I have spoken to their group several times about how imaging can help with the diagnosis, staging, and management of prostate cancer. Along with Dr. Brendan Diedrichs and Dr. Grace Yeung, we have also kept their members up-to-date about the evolution of MRI [magnetic resonance imaging] as it affects patients with prostate cancer,” says Dr. Spaner.
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that sits underneath the bladder, near the rectum. It manufactures a specific protein, called prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which can be measured as an indicator of its health. If a PSA level is elevated, this could be a sign of prostate cancer.
Medical imaging can be ordered to assess the prostate, but traditionally a prostate biopsy is ordered to investigate high PSA levels and determine whether prostate cancer is present. During a standard transrectal prostate biopsy a needle is inserted into the prostate gland, and twelve random tissue samples are collected and sent to a lab for analysis.
Because prostate cancer is known to be multifocal in nature, random sampling has its challenges – prostate cancers can be omitted in the tissue samples. Both overestimation and underestimation of the grade and burden of prostate cancer is a concern. Prostate biopsy is also an invasive procedure – not without risk. Since 2012, improvements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology and increased research into the subject has lead to MRI being used more often to evaluate men suspected of having prostate cancer. The technique can help guide decisions about prostate biopsy.
Mayfair Diagnostics operates a 3T magnet at their Mayfair Place location. This stronger magnet has the potential to generate more detailed or faster imaging. The highly sensitive diagnostic information that 3T imaging can provide for the prostate can be very helpful in determining the management of prostate-related disease.
The Prostate Imaging – Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) was initiated in Europe in 2012. It outlined technical parameters for prostate MRI and helped guide specific sequences that would be useful for prostate imaging. This lead to a number of research projects around the world that looked at the usefulness of prostate MRI for prostate cancer, including several based at the Prostate Cancer Centre. In 2018, the New England Journal of Medicine published the results of the Precision Trial that affirmed that, “…in men with a clinical suspicion of prostate cancer, we found that a diagnostic pathway including risk assessment with MRI before biopsy and MRI-targeted biopsy in the presence of a lesion suggestive of cancer was superior to the diagnostic pathway of standard transrectal ultrasonography–guided biopsy.”
“It’s exciting to be a part of the way prostate MRI is changing the way prostate cancer is diagnosed and managed and treated. But the most exciting part is that at the Prostate Cancer Centre all the people that are involved in that care are in one place, all working together,” says Dr. Spaner.
One of the goals of both the Women for Men’s Health program and for Mayfair is to encourage men to visit their doctor and get checked regularly. Identifying modifiable health risk factors related to diet, weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose may help with preventable health concerns and may aid in early detection of many cancers including prostate cancer.
For more information about Mayfair Diagnostics, please visit our services page. Or, visit Women for Men’s Health and the Prostate Cancer Centre pages to get involved in this initiative.
The American College of Radiology (2015) “PI-RADS: Prostate Imaging – Reporting and Data System.” www.acr.org. Accessed October 21, 2021.
Harvard Medical School (2019) “Mars vs. Venus: The gender gap in health.” Harvard Health Publishing. Accessed October 21, 2021.
Kasivisvanathan, V., et al. (2018) “MRI-Targeted or Standard Biopsy for Prostate-Cancer Diagnosis.” The New England Journal of Medicine. 2018; 378:1767-1777. Accessed October 21, 2021.
Statistics Canada (2019) “Changes in life expectancy by selected causes of death, 2017.” www.statcan.gc.ca. Accessed October 21, 2021.
Radiologists are specialized physicians who interpret diagnostic imaging to diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions. At Mayfair Diagnostics, they review X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI studies, among others, analyzinsg images in detail and providing comprehensive reports and clinical recommendations to referring physicians. They collaborate closely with technologists and clinic teams to guide imaging protocols, ensure quality and radiation safety standards, and may perform image-guided procedures such as biopsies or injections. Through their expertise and teamwork, radiologists play a key role in accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes.
Administrative professionals support the organization across human resources, marketing, operations, strategic partnerships, finance, information technology, and infrastructure. From recruiting staff to promoting services and improving workflows, they help ensure smooth operations and positive experiences for employees and patients. Through collaboration with clinical and support teams, they provide essential coordination that enables efficient, high-quality service.
Diagnostic Imaging Assistant (DIA) support clinic operations and help ensure a positive patient experience. They assist staff by greeting and preparing patients, confirming information, coordinating appointments, and guiding patients through their visit. DIAs also maintain exam rooms, manage documentation, and ensure supplies and equipment are ready. Through strong customer service, attention to detail, and teamwork, they help create a safe and organized environment.
Patient Experience Coordinators (PECs) are the first point of contact, scheduling exams and ensuring accurate patient information. They communicate clearly with patients, coordinate with care teams, and support a smooth, confidential, and customer-focused experience.
Nuclear Medical Technologists perform diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures involving sensitive and highly personal patient circumstances. They are responsible for delivering the highest standard of care in a professional, compassionate, and patient-centered manner, in accordance with provincial regulatory requirements, CAMRT standards, and Mayfair policies and guidelines.
Computed Tomography (CT) Technologists operate CT imaging equipment to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body that assist in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions. They prepare and position patients for scans, ensure safety protocols are followed, and administer contrast agents when required. CT technologists work closely with radiologists to ensure high-quality diagnostic images are obtained, while providing clear communication and compassionate care to support patient comfort throughout the procedure.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists operates MRI scanners to produce detailed images of internal body structures used to assist in medical diagnosis and treatment planning. They are responsible for preparing and positioning patients, ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed due to the strong magnetic field, and obtaining high-quality images as directed by radiologists. MRI technologists combine technical expertise with patient care, providing clear communication and support to ensure a safe, comfortable, and efficient imaging experience.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers perform ultrasound exams to help diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Following Sonography Canada standards and Mayfair Diagnostics protocols, they capture accurate images while ensuring patient safety, comfort, and confidentiality. They work with radiologists and clinical teams to review requisitions, prepare patients, perform scans, and document findings, contributing to accurate diagnoses and a positive patient experience.
Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) perform x-ray, mammography, and BMD exams while ensuring patient safety, accuracy, and compassionate care. They also may assist in pain therapy procedures. MRTs verify patient information, explain procedures, position patients, and produce high-quality images. MRTs follow professional standards and protocols, maintaining strict radiation safety, quality assurance, and patient privacy while supporting a positive patient experience.
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.
