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Mammogram (breast cancer screening)
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It is used to screen for breast cancer.
Private mammography with Circle Health Group
A mammogram is an X-ray of your breast. It can detect changes in your breast tissue early and diagnose breast cancer, often before you have signs or symptoms. A mammogram does not prevent or treat breast cancer.
At Circle Health Group, we offer a comprehensive breast screening service, including mammograms. We also have a large network of specialist consultants and state-of-the-art facilities to ensure the best in cancer care.
Call or book online today to book a private mammogram or arrange a consultation with a consultant of your choice at Circle Health Group.
This page explains what a mammogram is, why you may need to have a mammogram, and what happens during the procedure.
What is a mammogram?
Mammography is an area of medicine that uses X-rays called mammograms to create an image of your breast and screen for breast cancer. It can pick up early changes such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) which appears on a mammogram as calcifications or tissue changes, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment. There are several types of mammogram:
- Screening mammogram: Routine screening is recommended even if you have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer
- Diagnostic mammogram: This is performed if you have signs or symptoms of breast cancer. A diagnostic mammogram may be combined with other procedures such as a breast ultrasound (breast scan) and/or a breast biopsy
- Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT): This is a type of 3D mammogram that is more advanced at detecting cancer with a lower risk of false positives than traditional mammography
How much does a mammogram cost?
The cost of a mammogram will typically be covered by your private health insurance policy, though you should check with your provider first.
If you are paying for your own treatment, the cost of a mammogram will depend on various factors, including what type of mammogram you are having, as well as the location of the hospital. The best way to find out what it might cost you is to give us a call, and one of our advisors can get you a personalised quote.
You will need a referral before you can arrange a mammogram. This can be from your GP, or you can book an appointment with one of our consultants, who will be able to judge whether mammography is the right choice for you.
How does mammography work?
A mammogram uses X-ray technology to take images of your breast tissue. X-rays use high-energy electromagnetic radiation to create images of the inside of your body. Your consultant then examines these images to look for any abnormalities in your breast tissue. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer is vital and often means your treatment is more effective.
Who should have a mammogram?
The NHS currently invites women aged 50 to 70 years of age for breast screening every three years. If you are over 70, you can still request a mammogram, but you won’t be invited automatically.
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.
If you have signs or symptoms of breast cancer, your consultant may recommend a diagnostic mammogram. Make an appointment with your 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
What happens before your mammogram?
At your first consultation, you will typically be seen by a consultant breast surgeon, a doctor specialising in conditions affecting the breasts. Your first appointment is important as it’s where you’ll meet your consultant, the doctor responsible for your care. At your appointment, your consultant will ask you about your medical and family history, general health and symptoms (if you have any). They will spend time getting to know you and encourage you to ask any questions you may have.
At Circle Health Group, we want you to be as well-informed and comfortable as possible during your time with us, so please discuss any questions or concerns with your consultant during your appointment.
How to prepare for a mammogram
There isn’t much preparation required before your mammogram. The night before your mammogram, eat a healthy meal, avoiding fatty or fried foods or anything with caffeine such as coffee, tea or cola. Fatty foods or caffeine can increase breast tenderness in some women.
Don’t apply lotion, powder or deodorant before your mammogram as this can affect your results. If you are worried about pain or discomfort during your mammogram, you can take an over-the-counter painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen around an hour before your procedure.
On the day of your mammogram, wear something on your top half that you can take off and put on easily. You can eat and drink as normal before your appointment. If there’s anything you’re not sure about, or if you have any questions, please contact the hospital for advice.
What happens during a mammogram?
When you arrive at the breast screening clinic, you’ll be met by a member of staff who will explain the procedure to you, ask you some health-related questions and answer any questions you may have.
You’ll be asked to remove your clothing on your top half before your mammogram. You may be given a hospital gown to wear up until the procedure. The actual mammogram takes a few minutes, but you can expect your entire appointment to last about half an hour.
What is a mammographer?
Your mammogram will be performed by a mammographer, a specialist radiographer (a health professional trained in X-ray technology) who has undergone extra training to carry out mammograms and analyse the results. Your mammographer will be female. If you have breast implants, tell your mammographer before your procedure as they may need to adjust their technique to ensure they get clear, good-quality images.
During your mammogram:
- Your mammographer will position your breast on the mammography machine
- Your breast will be squeezed between two plastic plates to ensure it is still and in the correct position during the procedure. This may be uncomfortable or painful but will only last a few seconds
- Your mammographer will normally take a front and side image of each breast (four X-rays in total)
How long does a mammogram take?
The actual procedure takes a few minutes, but you can expect your entire appointment to last around half an hour.
Recovering from a mammogram
There is no recovery time after a mammogram, and you can go home and resume normal activities such as driving and returning to work immediately after your procedure.
Are mammograms safe?
A mammogram is a generally safe, non-invasive procedure that is a valuable tool in breast screening and the early detection of breast cancer. However, as with all medical procedures, there is a small risk of complications. Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications of having a mammogram before your procedure and answer any questions you may have.
It is always your choice whether or not to have a mammogram. Being fully aware of what happens during the procedure and any potential risks and complications will help put your mind at rest and allow you to make an informed decision.
Talk to your consultant if you have any questions or concerns before deciding whether to have a mammogram.
Possible risks and complications of mammography include:
- Pain or discomfort: You may experience temporary pain or discomfort during your mammogram as your breasts need to be compressed (squeezed) for a few seconds during the procedure
- Radiation exposure: Mammograms use X-rays, which emit a small amount of radiation (equivalent to a few days of background radiation present in the environment). Radiation exposure slightly increases your risk of cancer, however, the benefits of early breast cancer detection are largely considered to outweigh the risk of radiation exposure
- False-positive results: A false positive result is when your mammogram shows possible cancer when no cancer is present. This can result in further procedures which may be expensive or uncomfortable as well as cause anxiety and psychological distress
- False-negative results: A false negative result is when the mammogram doesn’t detect cancer when cancer is present. This can potentially delay diagnosis and treatment
Why choose Circle Health Group for a mammogram?
At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:
- Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
- The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
- Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
- Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
- Private ensuite rooms as standard
- A range of delicious healthy meals
- Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
- Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care
If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about private mammography treatment, book your appointment online or call a member of our team today.
Clinical sources and further reading
- Mammograms, National Cancer Institute
- Breast screening (Mammogram), NHS
- Mammogram, Cancer Research UK
