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Knowing the truth about mammography could help save your life, or the life of someone you love. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, about 87% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are still alive after five years, and the earlier cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome.
A mammography uses low-dose X-rays at safe levels to take images – or mammograms – of the inside of your breasts. It is the gold standard of breast cancer screening and has contributed to fewer Canadian women dying of breast cancer.
A 2020 study concluded, “Substantial reductions in the incidence rate of breast cancers that were fatal within 10 years after diagnosis and in the advanced breast cancer rate were found in this contemporaneous comparison of women participating versus those not participating in screening. These benefits appeared to be independent of recent changes in treatment regimens.” Yet, some persistent myths still exist and dissuade people from getting screened.
The best way to detect breast cancer early is by having regular screening mammograms before you develop symptoms of breast cancer, such as pain, lumps, nipple discharge, or other changes to the breast. But, many women are reluctant to go for regular screening mammograms because they find the experience uncomfortable.
Having a mammogram every year, or every two years (based on your risk factors), makes it easier for a radiologist to compare your images and see changes or areas of concern. When breast cancer is detected through imaging and before it is clinically apparent (e.g., palpable lump), it’s more likely to be small and more easily treated. Small cancers detected early can be removed and breast conserving surgery can be performed. Additionally, small cancers often do not require chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Mammography uses a very small amount of radiation – it’s like getting an X-ray. The risk of harm is extremely low and radiation levels are highly regulated. Thanks to technology, radiation doses in mammography have decreased with time while increasing in accuracy. For example, the addition of tomosynthesis to your mammography provides a 3D scan of the breast that can then be viewed in slices. This provides a greater level of detail and a clearer view of the breast tissue with the same small dose of radiation as a standard mammography. The benefits of detecting and treating something that is life-threatening far outweigh the risk of harm from radiation.
The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that in 2022, 25% of all new cancer cases in women will be breast cancer. On average, 15 Canadian women will die from breast cancer every day.
No screening test is 100% accurate, but the scientific evidence shows that having regular mammograms lowers the risk of dying from breast cancer. Some women may have dense breast tissue with less fat and more glandular and connective tissue. Dense breasts can make a mammogram harder to read, so smaller cancers may be hidden. In these cases, handheld or automated breast ultrasound may be ordered in conjunction with a screening mammogram.
During a mammography, two X-ray plate surfaces slowly move together, compressing the breast for a short time. This compression is necessary to get the clearest image of breast tissue using the least amount of radiation. Each breast will be imaged at least twice to create a top and side view for each one.
Everyone’s pain threshold is different, but the discomfort is temporary and minimal, and the benefits far outweigh the risks. We recommend that you schedule your appointment one week after your last menstruation to decrease breast tenderness.
Mayfair Diagnostics uses the leading-edge Senographe Pristina Dueta mammography system in 11 of our clinics. Pristina helps make mammograms more comfortable for patients through its ergonomic design and a special feature called patient-assisted compression. After the breast is properly positioned by a technologist and initial compression is set, you can choose to use a handheld wireless remote control to adjust the level of compression to what’s comfortable for you, under the guidance of a technologist.
Some patients find mammograms uncomfortable, due to the pressure, and are therefore less likely to go for regular breast cancer screening with mammography. Patient-assisted compression allows the patient to reduce the pressure of the exam, while still maintaining excellent diagnostic quality. Giving patients some measure of control during their exam can help decrease their anxiety and increase their willingness to return.
In the four years we have been using Pristina, we have received many positive comments from our patients about their mammography experience:
All women should have a mammogram, even those with no added risk factors. Many people start having regular mammograms every year at about age 40, since Alberta Health Care covers one mammogram per year starting at that age. If you have pain or a concern about your breasts earlier than that, you can of course go see your doctor and arrange to have a mammogram. To get a mammogram, you will need to speak to your doctor about your family history, when to start screening, and how frequently you should be screened.
Mayfair Diagnostics recommends the following for women at standard risk:
Alberta Breast Cancer Screening Clinical Practice Guideline Committee (2022) “Alberta Breast Cancer Screening: Clinical Practice Guideline 2022 Update.” www.screeningforlife.ca. Accessed August 12, 2022.
Canadian Cancer Society (2022) “Breast cancer statistics.” www.cancer.ca. Accessed August 12, 2022.
Duffy, S.W., et al (2020) “Mammography screening reduces rates of advanced and fatal breast cancers: Results in 549,091 women.” Cancer, July; 126 (13): 2971-2979. Accessed August 12, 2022.
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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.”
