Less Pain and More Gain - New Mammogram Equipment Provides Comfort With Peace of Mind

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Oct. 6, 2015) - We all know it's sometimes easier to grab the remote over our running shoes and head for the couch instead of the gym. It's human nature to put our comfort ahead of a little short-term pain or hassle. This may ring true for women who avoid mammograms because of the physical tenderness or unease associated with the test. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, RCA Diagnostics (RCA) are pleased to announce their new suite of mammogram equipment that reduces discomfort.

"The number one reason we hear that women do not want to go for a mammogram is the 'compression' - that's why we're proud to offer a less invasive mammogram process to help alleviate discomfort, especially for those women requiring more in-depth screenings," said Dr. Illya Boridy, FRCPC, Chair and Managing Partner of RCA Diagnostics. "We want to educate women so they know they can experience diagnostic processes in comfort while staying on track with their breast health."

Mammograms are an important step in early detection of breast cancer. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, women 40 and older should have mammograms every 1 or 2 years. Women who are younger than 40 and have risk factors for breast cancer should ask their health care practitioner whether mammograms are advisable and how often to have them.

According to Canadian Cancer Statistics, there will be an estimated 2,300 new cases of breast cancer this year in Alberta, but thanks to state-of-the-art equipment similar to what RCA and MFD now offer, early detection and diagnosis continue to lead a decrease in breast cancer related deaths. In 2014, RCA performed more than 56,000 mammograms for Calgarians.

RCA and MFD now offer patients:

• Tomosynthesis - An advanced breast imaging technique that provides a 3D scan of the breast which can be viewed in slices. This offers radiologists a greater level of detail and a clearer view of breast tissues.
  
  
• iCAD/Volpara - Software programs that are applied to all diagnostic and screening mammograms to provide an "automatic second-read" of images (iCAD), and to determine breast density (Volpara). Patients who know their breast density can use this information to help guide their overall breast health plan.
  
  

Women are encouraged to speak with their health care practitioners and create an overall health plan that may include regular testing and check-ups. For more information about mammograms or to book one, please visit www.radiology.ca or www.mayfairdiagnostics.com.

About RCA and Mayfair Diagnostics

Since our beginning over 100 years ago, we've been caring for people across Canada, improving lives one image at a time. We lead the way in delivering unparalleled service with a passionate team of health care professionals and state-of-the-art equipment, creating a patient experience built on trust and reliability. As the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada, we continue to push the boundaries of what technology can do, allowing us to focus on what we do best – helping people.

Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, RCA Diagnostics is owned and operated by a group of more than 46 practicing radiologists. In 2014, RCA welcomed, assisted, and treated more than 700,000 patients across Saskatchewan and Alberta. RCA's broad suite of diagnostic imaging services and exams are covered by Alberta Health Care in clinics across Western Canada. RCA is also the official diagnostic imaging provider to the Calgary Flames, the Calgary Hitmen, the Calgary Stampeders and the Calgary Roughnecks.

Operated by RCA, Mayfair Diagnostics was the first physician-owned and operated private MRI and CT facility in Calgary. In addition to community clinics and hospitals, RCA and Mayfair Diagnostics provide annually more than 90,000 teleradiology interpretations to rural and remote communities, including small hospitals in Saskatchewan, Alberta, the North West Territories, and the Yukon.

For more information, visit www.radiology.ca or www.mayfairdiagnostics.com.

RCA and Mayfair Diagnostics - pioneers in medical imaging in Canada.