A screening mammogram uses specialized X-ray technology to take a series of images of the breasts and provide a detailed look at the internal structure of breast tissue. Sometimes after your screening mammogram, you may be asked to return for additional breast imaging, such as a diagnostic mammogram or breast ultrasound.
You would be called back for a diagnostic mammogram to examine a specific area of concern, to assess a change in the breast tissue compared to previous images, or to investigate an abnormality.
In addition to a diagnostic mammogram, you may also be sent for a breast ultrasound if it’s determined on a mammogram that you have high breast density. You could have either an automated or handheld breast ultrasound which use high frequency sound waves to see the internal structure of your breast. It can be requested to examine a specific area of concern that has been identified on a mammogram. Breast ultrasound helps provide a more detailed look and ensures you have received a complete breast exam.
Dense breast tissue can only be determined by mammography and is not something that can be felt or seen. Dense breasts have less fat and more fibroglandular tissue, which can make it difficult to detect changes in the breast and small cancers may be hidden.
Dense breast tissue also increases the risk of breast cancer, especially in older women. For women with dense breast tissue in 75% or more of their breasts, their breast cancer risk is double relative to the general population. Using both mammography and ultrasound together can help provide a more complete picture of your dense breast tissue.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, one in eight Canadian women will be affected by a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. However, when breast cancer is detected early, before it’s 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.
The best way to detect breast cancer early is through regular screening mammograms. Your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan covers yearly mammograms starting at age 40. Having regular mammograms allows a radiologist to compare your images from year to year, identifying changes that may be occurring in the breast over time.
Mayfair Diagnostics follows the Canadian Association of Radiologists guidelines and recommends yearly mammograms from age 40-49. After that it’s recommended that women have a mammogram every two years from age 50-74. However, if you have a first degree relative (parent, sibling, child) with a family history of breast cancer or your own medical history indicates a higher risk of developing breast cancer, your doctor may recommend continuing to have a mammogram every year over age 50.
As part of the Alberta Breast Screening program, women 50-74 years of age do not need a referral from a doctor to have a screening mammogram. After age 75, screening frequency will depend on your medical history and should be discussed with your doctor. It is also important to be aware of any changes in your breasts, such as new pain or lump, nipple discharge, or any heat or redness, and to report those to your doctor.
The amount of radiation exposure from mammography is comparable to the exposure every person gets from the earth’s natural background radiation from living in Calgary over a period of six months. In most cases, the benefits of detecting breast cancer early with mammography outweighs the risk of exposure to this low dose of radiation.
During a mammogram, two X-ray plates slowly move together, compressing the breast for a short amount of time. This compression is necessary to get the clearest images of your breast tissue using the least amount of radiation. Since individuals experience pain differently, there may be some discomfort during the very short interval when the breast tissue is being compressed, however it should be minimal.
Mayfair Diagnostics has 14 locations which offer mammography exams, and except for our Coventry Hills clinic, all of them use the Senographe Pristina mammography system – which helps provide a more comfortable mammogram. Visit our breast imaging page for more information.
REFERENCES
Alberta Health Services (2021) “Breast Screening.” www.screeningforlife.ca. Accessed October 1, 2022.
Canadian Association of Radiologists (2016) “CAR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards for Breast Imaging and Intervention.” www.car.ca. Accessed October 1, 2022.
Canadian Cancer Society (2018) “Breast cancer statistics.” www.cancer.ca. Accessed October 1, 2022.
Coldman, A., et al (2014) “Pan-Canadian Study of Mammography Screening and Mortality from Breast Cancer.” Journal of the National Cancer Institute. November 2014, 106 (11).
Monticciolo, Dr. et al. (2018) “Current Issues in the Overdiagnosis and Overtreatment of Breast Cancer.” American Journal of Roentgenology. February 2018, 210 (2). Accessed October 1, 2022.
Tabar, L., et al. (2019) “The incidence of fatal breast cancer measures the increased effectiveness of therapy in women participating in mammography screening.” Cancer. Accessed October 1, 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.
