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Dense breast tissue is a common clinical finding that can only be assessed by mammography, affecting nearly half of people over 40 who are scanned. Dense breasts have less fat and more glandular and fibrous tissue. Unfortunately, they also make a mammogram harder to read, so smaller cancers may be hidden. As breast cancer tends to grow in dense breast tissue more often than fatty breast tissue, dense breasts also increase your risk for cancer.
Breast density is described by a letter scale, using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS).
Glandular and fibrous tissue, which make up a higher percentage of tissue in dense breasts, appear as white clusters on a mammogram. Cancer also typically appears as a white cluster, and so it can be hard to see when surrounded by dense tissue.
Having dense breasts is common and can even change over time. Increased estrogen levels in the body encourages the growth and multiplication of breast cells, which can lead to increased density.
Dense breasts are more commonly found in younger people, or older people who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT). There are many additional factors that can affect breast density, such as having a low body mass index, which increases your chance of having dense breasts.
Lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption can increase your percentage of dense tissue, as alcohol consumption can increase estrogen levels.
Dense breast tissue is a risk factor for breast cancer. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than people with little or no dense breast tissue. However, women with dense breasts are no more likely to die from breast cancer than someone who does not have them.
At Mayfair Diagnostics, our mammogram machines use 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) and are equipped with software that classifies breast density. Once your exam is completed, your images will be reviewed by a radiologist who will compile a report that is sent to your doctor. When an assessment determines that breast density is high, the radiologist may suggest annual mammography exams. In addition, the radiologist may suggest the use of handheld or automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) in conjunction with your regular screening mammogram.
Mammography views the breast in slices and provides a greater level of detail, while breast ultrasound increases the sensitivity of the scan.
Mayfair offers 3D mammography and diagnostic breast ultrasound services in Alberta at 13 clinics in Calgary, one in Cochrane and at our Regina location in Saskatchewan. ABUS is only offered in Calgary at our Market Mall, Mayfair Place, Southcentre, and The CORE locations.
Canadian Cancer Society (2024) “Breast density.” www.cancer.ca. Accessed March 12, 2025.
Healthwise Staff (2023) “Dense Breasts” myhealth.alberta.ca. Accessed March 12, 2025.
Mayo Clinic (2024) “Dense breast tissue: What it means to have dense breasts” www.mayoclinic.org. Accessed March 12, 2025.
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At the heart of everything we do is a belief that every image tells a story—and every story deserves care.
At Mayfair Diagnostics, we provide state-of-the-art medical imaging that helps patients and physicians get the clarity they need to make informed decisions about health. From routine check-ups to complex diagnoses, our role is to deliver answers with compassion and accuracy.
We offer a full spectrum of imaging services, including:
MRI, CT, and X-Ray for advanced diagnostic insight
Ultrasound and Mammography for preventative and women’s health
Nuclear Medicine, Bone Density, and Cardiac Imaging for specialized care
Pain Management and Interventional Procedures to improve quality of life
But our work extends beyond exams and equipment. As the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada, we connect urban, rural, and remote communities with expert radiology services—ensuring access to care when and where it’s needed most.
We also partner with local organizations, sports teams, and community groups to keep people healthy and active. From professional athletes to families booking their first screening, our commitment is the same: timely results, advanced technology, and compassionate care.
To improve lives with clarity, compassion, and care—one focused image at a time.
But numbers only tell part of the story. What truly defines us is our culture of compassion. We’re a team of caregivers, innovators, and problem-solvers who share a commitment to excellence. Whether supporting frontline care, developing new technology workflows, or guiding a patient through their appointment, we approach our work with empathy and integrity.
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At Mayfair Diagnostics, we’re caregivers, nurturers, creators and thought leaders—deeply rooted in a passion to help people. We deliver meaningful work, compassionate care, and an environment where every team member can thrive.
Key Points:
Founded on over a century of excellence in medical imaging.
Owned and operated by 50+ radiologists, supported by 400–640+ employees across clinical, technical, administrative, and support roles.
Operating 17 locations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and beyond (14 in Calgary, plus Cochrane, Regina, Saskatoon).
Serving 600,000–700,000 patients annually, delivering over 90,000 radiological interpretations—the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada.
Vision & Mission:
Vision: “A world in which every person has clarity about their health.”
Mission: “To improve people’s lives, one focused image and one caring, compassionate human touch at a time.”
