Private breast screening in Enfield

Private breast screening (mammogram) at The Cavell Hospital in Enfield, North London 

Noticing a change in your breasts, or simply wanting reassurance about your breast health, can be a powerful reason to seek a specialist assessment. Breast screening involves a mammogram (a type of low-dose X-ray), which is an imaging test that looks for early signs of breast cancer, often before you notice any symptoms. Finding problems early can make them easier to treat and can give you valuable peace of mind. 

At The Cavell Hospital in Enfield, private breast screening is delivered by experienced radiologists and mammographers using modern imaging equipment. You will be seen in a calm, professional environment, with clear explanations at every stage. Whether you have been referred because of a specific concern or are seeking screening for reassurance, your care is tailored to you. 

Choosing private breast screening in Enfield means being seen quickly, at a time that suits you, with prompt reporting and follow‑up where needed. 

What is a breast screening for? 

Breast screening is a way of checking your breasts for signs of cancer or other abnormalities using imaging tests, most commonly a mammogram (a low‑dose X‑ray of the breast). The aim is to detect breast cancer at an early stage, when it may be too small to feel as a lump or to cause symptoms. 

A mammogram can show: 

• Small areas of calcification (tiny calcium deposits) 
• Lumps or areas of thickened tissue 
• Changes in breast structure and density 
• Other patterns that may suggest the need for closer assessment 

Breast screening may be recommended if you are within a certain age range where routine screening is advised, if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, or if you would like reassurance about your breast health, even if you have no symptoms. 

It is important to understand that breast screening is designed for people who do not currently have symptoms. If you have noticed a new lump, change in breast shape, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, or any other concerning change, you may be referred for a symptomatic breast clinic appointment, which usually includes targeted imaging and an examination. 

How much does a breast screening cost at The Cavell Hospital in Enfield?

The cost of a private mammogram at The Cavell Hospital depends on various factors, including:  

• Whether you are having a screening mammogram or a diagnostic mammogram  
• Whether additional views, ultrasound or other imaging are needed at the same visit  
• Any follow-up consultations or further tests that may be recommended based on your results  

Before you book your appointment, the hospital team will confirm which type of mammogram you are having and give you a clear, fixed-price quotation for the scan, including a detailed breakdown of costs.  

You can choose to fund your treatment through self-pay (paying for yourself) or use private health insurance. We work with most major providers, and our friendly advisory team can help guide you through using your cover.  

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 9.9% APR.  

What happens at a breast screening appointment? 

A breast screening appointment at The Cavell Hospital in Enfield is usually straightforward and takes place in the hospital’s imaging (radiology) department.  

At the time of booking, we usually ask you questions about you and your family’s medical history. Then, before your appointment, you’ll be given instructions on how to prepare, which might include avoiding applying lotions or deodorant on your chest or underarms, and bringing any previous breast imaging results.  

On the day, you’ll check in at reception and be shown to the imaging department. A radiographer or mammographer will confirm your details and explain what will happen during the test. This is a good time to mention any concerns, such as breast tenderness, anxiety, mobility issues, or implants, so that the procedure can be adjusted for your comfort where possible. 

During your mammogram 

During the mammogram you will be asked to undress from the waist up in a private changing area, where a gown will be offered for your comfort. 

Once in the X‑ray room, you will stand in front of the mammography machine and each breast will be placed in turn on a flat plate. A second plate then gently but firmly compresses the breast from above, which spreads out the breast tissue, allowing us to get a clearer image. 

Typically, two views of each breast are taken (top‑to‑bottom and side‑to‑side). In some cases, extra views are required to see an area more clearly. 

The compression can feel uncomfortable and tight, but it lasts only a few seconds for each image. The mammographer will let you know when each picture is being taken and will try to make you as comfortable as possible. As soon as we’re finished, you’ll be able to get dressed.  

After your mammogram 

The X-ray images of your breasts will be reviewed and reported on by a specialist radiologist. At your appointment, we’ll let you know how to expect your results – for example, via your referring clinician, by letter, or at a follow‑up appointment. 

If the mammogram shows anything that needs closer evaluation, you may be invited back for further imaging (such as additional mammogram views or ultrasound) or, occasionally, a biopsy. 

Being called back does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer; many findings turn out to be benign (non‑cancerous), but they need to be checked thoroughly. 

What age does breast screening start? 

The age at which you might start breast screening can depend on whether you are following national screening recommendations or having additional private screening based on your individual risk. 

In the NHS breast screening programme, women and people assigned female at birth are currently invited for routine mammograms every three years between the ages of 50 and 70 (with some variation as age ranges are updated locally). Invitations are usually sent automatically to those registered with a GP. 

At Circle Health Group, our Breast Screening programme includes the screening of asymptomatic women (women without symptoms) aged 40 and over. We recommend screening every 12-18 months between 40 and 49 years of age and every 2 years after 50. 

Your consultant may recommend earlier or more frequent breast cancer screening if you have a higher-than-average risk of developing breast cancer, for example if you have a family history of breast cancer or a known genetic risk.  

How long does breast screening take at The Cavell Hospital?

The breast screening appointment itself is usually quite quick, but you should allow a little extra time for preparation and discussion. 

As a general guide: 

• The mammogram typically takes around 10–15 minutes from entering the X‑ray room to completion of the images
• Including check‑in, changing, and a brief discussion with the radiographer, you may be at the hospital for around 30–45 minutes for a straightforward screening visit 

If you are having additional imaging, such as breast ultrasound, or if you are being seen in a symptomatic breast clinic for specific concerns, you may need to allow longer. 

Why choose The Cavell Hospital for your breast screening in Enfield? 

The Cavell Hospital is a well‑established private hospital in Enfield, offering breast screening and wider breast imaging services in a modern, supportive environment. When you choose to go private with The Cavell Hospital for your breast screening, you can expect: 

• Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule 
• Consultant‑led reporting and clear communication of results 
• Modern mammography equipment and access to additional imaging such as ultrasound where needed 
• A calm, discreet environment designed to minimise anxiety 
• Flexible payment options to help spread the cost of your care 

The imaging department at The Cavell Hospital uses modern mammography equipment and works closely with other diagnostic services, such as ultrasound and biopsy facilities, to provide a comprehensive breast assessment where needed. Clear communication and patient education are central to the service, helping you understand your results and any recommended next steps. 

Choosing private breast screening in Enfield at The Cavell Hospital means accessing skilled professionals, timely appointments, and a structured pathway for further investigation or treatment if anything requires closer attention. 

How to book a mammogram in Enfield 

To arrange a private mammogram, you can either ask your GP or a specialist to send a referral to the breast imaging team at The Cavell Hospital, or contact us directly to discuss booking a self-pay screening mammogram, where this is available.  

Do you need a referral for a breast screening at The Cavell Hospital in Enfield? 

Whether you need a referral for private breast screening at The Cavell Hospital depends on the type of appointment and your individual circumstances. You can usually self-refer if you don’t have symptoms and wish to attend for routine screening or reassurance, but it’s a good idea to call us to find out for certain. 

When you get in touch, the bookings team will confirm the type of mammogram you need (screening or diagnostic), advise whether a referral is required in your situation, ask a few questions about your breast history and any previous imaging, and offer you an appointment time that fits your schedule.