Private Mammogram Screening

Private Mammogram

A private mammogram for breast screening in women over 40 who do not currently have breast symptoms.

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Important: This Service Is for Screening Only

This private mammogram service is for breast screening only. It is intended for women who are aged over 40 and do not currently have breast symptoms.

If you have a breast lump, breast pain, nipple discharge, nipple changes, skin dimpling, skin redness, swelling, a change in breast shape, or any new breast concern, this screening service is not the right first step.

Breast symptoms should be assessed by a doctor or breast specialist first, so that the most appropriate diagnostic pathway can be arranged. This may include clinical examination, diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, biopsy or referral to a specialist breast clinic.

Overview

A private mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breasts used for screening. It may help identify changes in breast tissue before symptoms develop.

At Book a Scan, this service is designed for women over 40 who are currently well and want private breast screening. Your mammogram images are reviewed by a radiologist, and a clear written report is provided.

Breast screening can provide useful information, but it does not prevent breast cancer and does not detect every breast cancer. Your results should be considered alongside your age, breast screening history, personal risk factors and any future symptoms.

NHS Breast Screening Guidance

In the UK, NHS breast screening is routinely offered to women aged 50 up to their 71st birthday. First invitations are usually sent between the ages of 50 and 53, then every 3 years.

Private mammograms may be available for women over the age of 40, depending on suitability. This page is for private screening only and does not replace medical assessment if you have symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria

This private mammogram screening service may be suitable if all of the following apply:

• You are aged over 40.
• You are booking for breast screening, not because of symptoms.
• You do not currently have a breast lump, breast pain, nipple discharge, nipple changes, skin changes or armpit swelling.
• You are not pregnant and do not think you may be pregnant.
• You are able to tolerate breast compression during the mammogram.
• You understand that mammography can miss some breast cancers, and that symptoms should always be medically assessed.

Exclusion Criteria

This screening mammogram service may not be suitable if any of the following apply:

• You are under the age of 40.
• You have a breast lump, breast pain, nipple discharge, nipple inversion, skin dimpling, redness, swelling or any new breast symptom.
• You have a lump or swelling in the armpit.
• You are pregnant or may be pregnant.
• You are currently breastfeeding or have recently stopped breastfeeding, unless medical advice confirms mammography is appropriate.
• You have had recent breast surgery, unless advised that screening mammography is appropriate.
• You have a previous history of breast cancer and are under specialist follow-up, unless your doctor has advised private screening is appropriate.
• You have breast implants and have not checked whether this service is suitable for implant mammography.
• You require investigation of symptoms rather than routine screening.

If any exclusion applies, please seek medical advice before booking. A doctor or breast specialist can guide you towards the most appropriate assessment.

Have Breast Symptoms?

Please do not book this screening mammogram if you have symptoms such as a lump, pain, nipple discharge, nipple changes, skin changes, swelling or visible breast changes without medical assessment first.

Symptoms need clinical assessment because you may need a diagnostic breast pathway rather than a screening mammogram.

Who Is This Scan For?

This private mammogram may be suitable for women over 40 who do not currently have breast symptoms and want breast screening.

• Women over 40 seeking private breast screening
• Women without breast symptoms who want screening privately
• Women who are due or overdue for breast screening
• Women who want screening outside routine NHS screening intervals, where appropriate
• Women who have been advised that screening mammography is suitable for them

Who Should Seek Medical Assessment First?

This service is not intended for women with breast symptoms. If you have symptoms, you may need diagnostic assessment rather than screening.

Please seek medical assessment before booking if you have:

• A breast lump or thickening
• Breast pain that is new, persistent or concerning
• Nipple discharge, especially if bloody or one-sided
• Nipple inversion or nipple changes
• Skin dimpling, puckering, redness or rash
• Swelling or a change in breast shape or size
• A lump or swelling in the armpit
• Any new or unexplained breast concern

These symptoms should be assessed by a doctor or breast specialist first. They may recommend breast examination, diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, biopsy or referral to a specialist breast clinic.

Common Reasons People Book This Scan

People commonly book a private mammogram when they want breast screening and do not have current breast symptoms.

• Private breast screening from age 40 onwards
• Routine mammogram screening
• Breast health screening for reassurance
• Screening outside routine NHS appointments, where appropriate
• Screening after discussion with a healthcare professional

What This Scan Includes

A private mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to create images of the breast tissue. The images are reviewed and reported by a radiologist.

• Mammogram breast imaging
• Radiologist review of your mammogram images
• Clear written report
• Information that may support your breast screening record and next steps

What Can This Scan Help Assess?

A private mammogram may help identify visible breast tissue changes that can sometimes be associated with breast cancer or other breast conditions.

• Breast tissue density and structure
• Calcifications visible on mammogram
• Masses or asymmetries visible on mammogram
• Architectural distortion of breast tissue
• Changes that may need further assessment

The report should be interpreted alongside your screening history, medical history and any risk factors.

What This Scan Can and Cannot Tell You

A mammogram can provide useful screening information, but it cannot detect every breast cancer or every breast condition. Some cancers may not be visible on mammography, particularly in dense breast tissue.

A normal mammogram does not guarantee that breast cancer is absent. An abnormal mammogram does not confirm cancer on its own. Further assessment, such as additional mammogram views, breast ultrasound, biopsy or specialist review, may sometimes be recommended.

If you develop breast symptoms at any time, you should seek medical assessment even if you have recently had a normal mammogram.

How the Scan Works

Understanding Your Results

Your report will describe the radiologist’s findings from your mammogram. It may state whether the appearances are within expected limits or whether further assessment is recommended.

If further assessment is recommended, this does not necessarily mean cancer is present. It means additional imaging or review may be needed to better understand the finding.

If you notice any new breast symptoms after your screening mammogram, you should seek medical assessment, even if your result was normal.

Why Choose Book a Scan?

• Private scans with clear radiologist reports
• Private mammogram screening for suitable women over 40
• Patient-friendly screening information before booking
• Clear inclusion and exclusion criteria
• Responsible advice for women with breast symptoms
• Simple booking process for private breast screening

Related Scans and Services

The most appropriate breast imaging depends on whether you are having screening or whether you have symptoms.

• Breast Ultrasound: may be used for focused assessment of a breast lump or localised concern when clinically appropriate.
• Diagnostic Mammogram: may be recommended for women with symptoms after clinical assessment.
• Private GP Consultation: may help if you are unsure whether screening mammography is suitable or if you have symptoms.
• Specialist Breast Clinic Assessment: may be needed for lumps, nipple discharge, skin changes or other breast symptoms.

Important Information

This private mammogram service is for breast screening only. It is not intended for women with breast symptoms who have not had medical assessment.

If you have a breast lump, pain, nipple discharge, nipple changes, skin changes, swelling or any new breast concern, please seek medical assessment before booking.

Mammography uses low-dose X-rays. If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, breastfeeding, have breast implants, have had recent breast surgery, or have a previous history of breast cancer, please seek medical advice before booking to confirm the most appropriate pathway.

Please seek urgent medical advice if you have rapidly worsening breast redness, swelling, fever, severe pain, or symptoms that concern you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is this private mammogram suitable for?

Private mammograms can be performed for women over the age of 40, depending on clinical suitability and provider acceptance. NHS breast screening is routinely offered from age 50 up to the 71st birthday.

Can I book this if I have a breast lump?

No. If you have a breast lump, you should seek medical assessment first. A doctor or breast specialist can examine you and recommend the most appropriate diagnostic tests.

Can I book this if I have breast pain or nipple discharge?

If you have breast pain, nipple discharge or nipple changes, this screening service is not the right first step without medical assessment. Please speak to a doctor or breast specialist first.

Does a mammogram rule out breast cancer?

No. A normal mammogram does not exclude all breast cancers. If you develop symptoms or remain concerned, you should seek medical assessment even if your mammogram is normal.

What happens if something is found?

If your mammogram shows a finding that needs further assessment, your report may recommend additional imaging, ultrasound, biopsy or specialist breast clinic review. This does not necessarily mean cancer is present.

Book Your Private Mammogram

Book a private mammogram for breast screening if you are over 40, do not currently have breast symptoms and meet the suitability criteria.

If you have a lump, pain, nipple discharge, nipple changes, skin changes or any breast concern, please seek medical assessment before booking.

Book Your Scan