Mammography
Advanced 3D Tomosynthesis equipment for enhanced diagnostic quality and patient experience delivered with the lowest dose.
Screening mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when treatment may work better.
Raydius Medical has the most advanced Mammography Technology available. Our 3D Digital Breast Tomosynthesis provides:
- Painless comfortable screening
- Lowest possible dose
- Advanced 3D imaging for early detection
No doctor’s referral required, simply contact Raydius Medical to book your appointment today. Women 45 to 74: Breast cancer screening is proven to have the most benefit within this age range.
Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations by Age
Women <40 years old: Routine screening is not recommended due to the low incidence of breast cancer in this age group.
Women aged 40-49: Annual Screening Mammography is recommended. This age group tends to have higher breast density, which can make small early cancers harder to detect. Additionally, cancers in this age range have a tendency to grow more rapidly.
Women aged 50-74: Both the American College of Radiology/Society of Breast Imaging (ACR/SBI) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommend annual Screening Mammography. The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) recommends screening every 1-2 years (biennial). Insight also suggests strongly considering annual screening mammography, ensuring that women in this age group do not go longer than 2 years between screenings. Annual mammography has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer mortality, especially for those with dense breasts.
Women >74 years old: Both the ACR/SBI and the NCCN recommend continuing with annual Screening Mammography. The CAR recommends screening every 1-2 years (biennial). However, if a woman has severe comorbidities (medical problems) that are expected to limit her life expectancy, then screening mammography may not be recommended.
Types of Mammography
Screening Mammogram
A screening mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to detect abnormalities within men’s and women’s breasts that are too small to be felt as a lump by a patient or doctor. The goal is to detect breast cancer in its earliest stage without involvement of the lymph nodes, significantly increasing chances of successful treatment.
Raydius Medical follows the Alberta Breast Cancer Screening Program (ABCSP), which is coordinated by Alberta Health Services and the Alberta Society of Radiologists (ASR). The program’s purpose is to educate the public about imaging options and why regular screening mammograms are so important in the fight against breast cancer.
Raydius Medical follows the Alberta Breast Cancer Screening Program (ABCSP), which is coordinated by Alberta Health Services and the Alberta Society of Radiologists (ASR). The program’s purpose is to educate the public about imaging options and why regular screening mammograms are so important in the fight against breast cancer.
As part of the ABCSP regulations, patients can self-refer for a screening mammogram once a year, provided their first screening exam had a doctor’s referral and they have no symptoms at the time of the exam. Typically, the governing body for diagnostic imaging states that all patients must have a doctor’s referral for imaging exams. However, screening mammograms are an exception to this rule. As the ABCSP states, “just because no one in your family has had breast disease doesn’t mean you’re not at risk.”
Learn more about breast disease risk factors you can and cannot control and how to assess your risk, and get helpful information about breast cancer screening from Screening for Life.
Diagnostic Mammogram
A diagnostic mammogram is similar to screening as it also uses low-dose X-rays to investigate abnormal clinic findings or unusual symptoms discovered by your doctor. These symptoms range from tenderness, skin changes, a lump, nipple discharge, etc. Diagnostic mammograms can also follow screening mammograms, be prescribed as an interval follow-up, and confirm whether a finding is benign or if additional testing is required.
Digital Breast Tomosynthesis
Raydius Medical uses digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) when imaging your breasts during a mammogram. Breast tomosynthesis is an advanced form of imaging that examines the breast tissue layer by layer in a 3-D plane, as opposed to a standard mammography exam which examines in 2-D.
During the procedure, an X-ray arm moves over the compressed breast, capturing images of the tissue from various angles. These images are then processed or “synthesized” into a 3-D picture by a computer. The result is a very detailed set of 3-D images, which our radiologist can examine from any angle to distinguish normal overlapping tissue that might otherwise be misdiagnosed as an abnormality.
This technology provides our radiologists with higher-quality images that make it easier to detect small abnormalities. Since breast tomosynthesis provides such detailed images, it is less likely that additional imaging will be required. Therefore, our patients are not exposed to unnecessary radiation or stress.
What Happens During my Mammogram?
- Upon checking in, you will be asked to complete an ASR patient information form that contains questions about your health and history.
- Next, you will be asked to change into a gown, removing your clothing from the waist up.
- A technologist will help position you in front of the machine, with your breast between two X-ray plates.
- To ensure our patients are as comfortable as possible during their mammogram, only female technologists scan when a breast is exposed.
- The surfaces will slowly move together, compressing the breast tissue for a short duration.
- Please be assured that only the necessary amount of compression is applied for optimal image clarity and sharpness. Our technologists are aware that compression is uncomfortable and will work with you to provide the best examination possible.
- We will take at least two images of each breast (top to bottom and a side view).
- We may need to take additional images or perform an ultrasound. Do not be alarmed. Often, our radiologists will request additional imaging to ensure a thorough examination.
- After the sonographer has captured the images, you are free to leave.
- The results will be analyzed by one of our radiologists and a detailed report will be sent to your doctor. We try our best to send the results as soon as possible, usually within one business day.
ABUS Breast Imaging
ABUS is specifically designed for detecting cancer in dense breast tissue by providing a comprehensive view of the breast. With mammography alone, dense breast tissue can make it more difficult to identify the appearance of tumors, which is why your doctor may recommend ABUS.
In average-risk women with dense breasts, adding ABUS to routine screening mammography increases the detection of breast cancer by at least 36% (likely more). These cancers tend to be small, invasive, and node negative.
Currently offered at our Hermitage and Meadowlark locations, ABUS is a quick, painless exam-taking about 15 minutes to complete.
Book an Exam
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How to Prepare for your Exam
Access preparation instructions for your upcoming examination. Proper exam preparation helps us take the best possible images for diagnosis.
How to Prepare for your Exam
Access preparation instructions for your upcoming examination. Proper exam preparation helps us take the best possible images for diagnosis.