Private breast screening (mammogram) at Kings Oak Hospital in Enfield, North London
Being proactive about your breast health can offer reassurance and support early detection of any problems. Breast screening uses an imaging test called a mammogram (a low‑dose X‑ray of the breast) to look for early signs of breast cancer before you notice symptoms. Detecting changes at an earlier stage can make them easier to treat and can improve the range of options available to you.
At Kings Oak Hospital in Enfield, private breast screening is carried out by experienced mammographers and radiologists using modern imaging equipment. You will be seen in a calm, professional environment, and you’ll be given clear explanations before, during, and after your appointment. Whether you are attending for routine screening or because you have particular risk factors, your care is tailored to your individual needs.
Choosing private breast screening in Enfield means you can usually access an appointment quickly, at a time that suits you, with prompt results and a clear plan for any further tests if needed.
How often should you get a breast screening?
How often you should have breast screening depends on your age, personal risk factors, and whether you are following national screening guidance or choosing additional private screening.
In the NHS breast screening programme, women and people assigned female at birth are routinely invited for a mammogram every three years, usually between the ages of 50 and 70 (with some local variation as age ranges are updated). Those over 70 are not routinely invited but can request screening every three years.
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.
What if I have noticed changes in my breasts?
If you have signs or symptoms of breast cancer, your consultant may recommend a diagnostic mammogram. Make an appointment with your GP or consultant immediately if you notice any changes in your breasts between screenings.
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:
- A lump, mass or thickened tissue in your breast or armpit
- Changes in the size or shape of your breast
- Swelling in your armpit
- Changes to the skin on your breast such as dimpling, puckering, scaling, crusting, redness or a rash
- Changes to your nipple such as your nipple becoming inverted, nipple discharge, redness, or a rash around your nipple
- Pain or discomfort in your breast or armpit
Breast screening is typically for asymptomatic patients, but we do also use mammogram to investigate symptoms.
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 Kings Oak 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 Kings Oak Hospital in Enfield?
Whether you need a referral for private breast screening at Kings Oak 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.
What happens during breast screening (mammogram)?
A breast screening appointment at Kings Oak Hospital is usually straightforward and takes place in the imaging (radiology) department.
Before your appointment, you’ll be told how to prepare – which often includes things like not using deodorant, talc, or lotions on your chest or underarms on the day (these can sometimes show up on the images), and bringing previous breast imaging reports if you have them.
On arrival you’ll check in at reception and be directed to the imaging department. A mammographer (a radiographer trained in breast imaging) will confirm your details, ask about any breast problems, previous surgery, implants, or family history, and explain the procedure.
During your mammogram
During the mammogram you will be asked to undress from the waist up in a private changing area. 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.
How much does a breast screening cost at Kings Oak Hospital, Enfield?
The cost of a private mammogram at Kings Oak 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.
Why choose Kings Oak Hospital in Enfield for breast screening?
Kings Oak Hospital is a well‑established private hospital in Enfield, offering modern breast imaging services within a supportive, professional setting. When you choose to go private with Kings Oak 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 and breast care teams work closely with other hospital specialists, including breast surgeons and oncologists, allowing a smooth pathway if any further investigation or treatment is required. The focus is on safety, clear information, and individualised care at every stage.