Colorectal cancer was the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada in 2024 (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers), according to the Canadian Cancer Society. In 2024, it was the second leading cause of death from cancer in men and the third in women.
While colorectal cancer accounted for 10% of all new cancer diagnoses in 2024, the good news is there has been a decline in cancer rates since the mid-80s in adults aged 50 and over. At the same time cancer rates for adults under 50 have been increasing since the mid-90s, although the death rate has not risen.
Part of the large intestine, the colon absorbs water and nutrients and passes waste to the rectum. Cancers of these organs are grouped together because there isn’t a clear border between them and they are made up of the same type of tissue.
When cells in the colon or rectum change and no longer grow or behave normally, this can lead to benign tumours or precancerous conditions – cells that are not yet cancer but have a higher chance of becoming cancer. The most frequent type of colorectal cancer begins in the gland cells that line the wall of the colon or rectum and help move stool through the colon and rectum.
Despite a declining incidence rate in people over the age of 50, the risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. Men are also more likely than women to develop it.
Other genetic risk factors for colorectal cancer include a family history of colon cancer, especially if more than one relative has had the disease, and two genetic syndromes: familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome.
In terms of lifestyle, obesity and high-fat, low-fibre diets that are heavy in red and processed meat, are known risk factors for colorectal cancer and may account for its prevalence, especially in North America, northwestern Europe, and Australia where the number of cases is the highest. Other lifestyle risk factors include:
Please note, that a risk factor is something that increases the risk of developing cancer, but most cancers are the result of many risk factors. Cancer can also develop in people without risk factors.
The challenge with many cancers, including colorectal cancer, is that there may not be signs or symptoms in the early stages when the cancer is very small. Once a tumour grows larger, symptoms may appear, but other health conditions can cause symptoms similar to colorectal cancer. For a list of symptoms that may indicate colorectal cancer and should be investigated by your health care practitioner, please visit the Canadian Cancer Society website.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, there is strong evidence that colorectal cancer screening is effective in detecting cancers earlier and decreasing mortality. The majority of colorectal cancers begin as benign growths, called adenomatous polyps, which over time can grow in size and number thereby increasing the risk that they become cancerous. Identification and removal of polyps can help prevent the development of colorectal cancer.
In Alberta, colorectal cancer screening guidelines recommend the following types of screening:
To determine what type, or if, screening is appropriate for you, you will need to discuss with your doctor your medical and family history, risk factors, and if there are symptoms, how long symptoms have been present and how they affect daily activities. Your doctor would then provide you with a requisition for a specific procedure, if recommended.
Mayfair Diagnostics offers community-based private CT services as a complement to the public health care system, but whether public or private these exams must be requested by a health care practitioner. If a private CT virtual colonoscopy is indicated as a best next course of action, a requisition will be provided and the appointment can be booked.
Mayfair Diagnostics is owned and operated by over 50 radiologists who are sub-specialty trained, which guarantees an expert opinion of your imaging. Mayfair Diagnostics offers CT imaging at our Mayfair Place location. For more information, please visit our services page.
REFERENCES
The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (2020) “The Colon: What it is, What it Does and Why it is Important.” www.fascrs.org. Accessed March 4, 2022.
Canadian Cancer Society (2025) “Colorectal cancer statistics.” www.cancer.ca. Accessed February 4, 2025.
Canadian Cancer Society (2025) “Risk factors for colorectal cancer.” www.cancer.ca. Accessed February 4, 2025.
Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada (2021) “What is Colorectal Cancer?” www.colorectalcancercanada.com. Accessed March 4, 2022.
Toward Optimized Practice Working Group for Colorectal Cancer Screening. (2013) “Colorectal cancer screening: clinical practice guideline.” www.topalbertadoctors.org. Accessed March 4, 2022.
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.
