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. 

Insight Medical Imaging 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.

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.

Insight Medical Imaging 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. 

• 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.

Alberta Health covers one screening mammogram per calendar year (January -December). For example: if you have a mammogram in January, 2019, you will have to wait until at least January, 2020, before your next screening mammogram. 

Your doctor has likely referred you for this exam. If you have an Alberta Health Care card or valid healthcare card from out of province, there is no cost for a diagnostic mammogram (except Quebec).

Both screening and diagnostic mammograms take approximately 20 minutes to complete.