Patient guide · Breast imaging
Private mammogram - London.
2D digital mammography and 3D tomosynthesis (DBT), reported by a consultant breast radiologist, with same-visit ultrasound if a finding needs clarifying. Typical private cost £180 to £450 depending on the technique.
Key facts
Private mammogram, the essentials in six lines.
What a mammogram is, when it is offered, and how 2D digital differs from 3D tomosynthesis in private practice.
- 01
Low-dose breast X-ray
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast designed to detect cancer at the earliest possible stage, before a lump is palpable.
- 02
NHS vs private access
The NHS Breast Screening Programme offers mammograms to women aged 50 to 71 every three years. Private access starts from 35 to 40, earlier with family history.
- 03
2D digital or 3D DBT
Two-dimensional digital mammography is standard. 3D tomosynthesis (DBT) provides thin-slice reconstructions with higher cancer detection in dense breasts.
- 04
20 to 30 minute visit
Four views are taken - cranio-caudal and mediolateral oblique for each breast. Compression lasts 5 to 10 seconds per view.
- 05
Consultant breast radiologist
Images are reported by a consultant breast radiologist, typically within 24 to 72 hours, with a same-visit ultrasound arranged if a finding needs clarifying.
- 06
Very low radiation
A modern digital mammogram delivers under 1 mSv per view, comparable to a few months of natural background radiation.
How the test works
From booking to report - what happens, in order.
Seven concrete steps, from preparation on the day to a structured consultant report.
- 01
Before
Referral or self-referral
A GP or breast surgeon letter is not required in most private units - self-referral is accepted for screening from age 40.
- 02
Before
Preparation
Avoid deodorant, perfume or talc on the day of the scan. Wear a two-piece outfit and, if you can, book the week after your period when breasts are less tender.
- 03
Before
Bring prior imaging
Any previous mammograms, breast ultrasound or MRI reports should be brought or forwarded so the radiologist can compare.
- 04
On the day
Four views, brief compression
A specialist radiographer takes two views of each breast. Compression is firm but brief, and is what gives a clear diagnostic image.
- 05
On the day
Same-visit ultrasound if needed
If a finding warrants further characterisation, a breast ultrasound is performed in the same visit rather than as a separate appointment.
- 06
After
Consultant report in 24-72h
A consultant breast radiologist issues a structured report, usually within one to three working days.
- 07
After
Recall or biopsy if BIRADS 4-5
Around 5 to 10 per cent of screening patients are recalled for further imaging. A suspicious finding (BI-RADS 4 or 5) proceeds to core biopsy.
What it shows
The findings a mammogram is designed to catch.
What 2D digital and 3D tomosynthesis mammography reliably identify - and where supplementary imaging adds value.
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Invasive breast cancer
2D digital mammography detects roughly 30 to 40 per cent of masses in dense breasts. 3D DBT raises detection by 40 to 50 per cent.
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Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
Microcalcifications on a mammogram are the most reliable early sign of high-grade DCIS.
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Architectural distortion
Subtle pulling of the breast tissue that can indicate an invasive cancer even without a discrete mass.
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Cysts and fibroadenomas
Common benign findings that are then confirmed on same-visit ultrasound.
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Dense breast tissue
Breast density is graded A to D. Categories C and D reduce mammographic sensitivity and may warrant adjunct imaging.
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Post-surgical change
Scar tissue, oil cysts and clips from prior breast surgery, distinguished from new abnormalities.
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Symmetry comparison
Side-to-side and year-on-year comparison is where subtle new asymmetries reveal themselves.
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Red flag: BI-RADS 5 lesion
A highly suspicious mammographic finding means urgent core biopsy - not repeat imaging in six months.
Imaging options and cost
Which mammogram, at what price.
Typical London self-pay prices in 2026: 2D digital £180 to £280; 3D tomosynthesis £220 to £380; combined DBT plus ultrasound £380 to £550; breast MRI £850 to £1,400 as a separate study.
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2D digital mammogram
Standard single image per view. Sufficient for most average-risk screening from age 40.
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3D tomosynthesis (DBT)
Series of thin-slice reconstructions. Now standard-of-care in private practice, particularly for dense breasts.
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Combined DBT + ultrasound
Best-value package for dense breasts or a symptomatic clinic - imaging plus targeted ultrasound in one visit.
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Adjunct breast MRI
Contrast-enhanced breast MRI for BRCA carriers, strong family history, or when mammography is equivocal.
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Automated breast ultrasound
ABUS is an alternative supplementary test in women with very dense breasts where MRI is not appropriate.
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Core biopsy
Ultrasound- or stereotactic-guided core biopsy is the definitive next step for a BI-RADS 4 or 5 lesion.
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BRCA genetic testing
Considered for patients with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, before a screening MRI pathway is set up.
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Breast MDT review
Any confirmed cancer is discussed at a multidisciplinary team meeting before a treatment plan is finalised.
Where in London
The London Breast Institute, HCA The Portland Breast Unit, HCA The Wellington Breast, Cromwell BUPA Breast, Chelsea and Westminster Private Breast, One Welbeck Women’s Health, Marie Stopes UK Breast Care and InHealth all offer private mammography, most with 3D tomosynthesis as standard.
Red flags
When a mammogram is not a screening question.
Symptoms and risk factors that change the tempo - from routine screening to same-week specialist assessment.
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Palpable lump
Any new discrete lump warrants same-week triple assessment, not a routine screening slot.
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Nipple discharge
Spontaneous, single-duct, blood-stained discharge requires imaging plus specialist review.
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Nipple or skin change
Nipple inversion, eczema-like change, or skin dimpling should be assessed urgently.
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BRCA1/2 carrier
Annual mammography plus breast MRI is the recommended pathway for known BRCA carriers.
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First-degree relative pre-menopausal
A mother or sister with pre-menopausal breast cancer usually brings the start of screening forward.
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Prior chest radiotherapy
Chest radiotherapy under age 30 substantially raises breast cancer risk and warrants earlier and more frequent imaging.
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Dense breasts on prior imaging
Category C or D density reduces mammographic sensitivity - consider DBT plus ultrasound or MRI.
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Inflammatory presentation
Rapidly progressive redness, oedema or peau d’orange is a red flag - same-week specialist review.
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Male breast lump
An eccentric, firm lump in a man is not gynaecomastia by default and needs triple assessment.
Sources and review
The guidelines this page is built on.
Reviewed by Pulse Atlas Editorial Board. Published 2026-09-05. Next review 2027-09-05.
- 01 Source
NHS Breast Screening Programme. Guidance and eligibility.
Read source - 02 Source
Public Health England. NHSBSP - clinical guidance for breast cancer screening.
Read source - 03 Source
Royal College of Radiologists. Guidance on symptomatic and screening breast imaging.
Read source - 04 Source
NICE. Familial breast cancer: classification, care and managing breast cancer and related risks (CG164).
Read source
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about a private mammogram.
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At what age should I start having a private mammogram?
Private units routinely offer mammography from age 40 for average-risk women, with annual scans. From age 30 to 35 if you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, a known BRCA1/2 mutation, or a first-degree relative diagnosed pre-menopausally. Under 35, ultrasound is usually the first-line test.
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Is a mammogram painful?
Compression is firm and briefly uncomfortable but should not be painful. Each view lasts 5 to 10 seconds. Booking the week after your period, when breasts are less tender, makes a noticeable difference.
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Will my insurance cover a private mammogram?
Screening mammograms are usually not covered by private medical insurance. Symptomatic imaging - a new lump, nipple discharge, skin change - is normally covered once your GP or a private breast clinician has issued a referral.
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I have dense breasts - is a standard mammogram enough?
Category C or D density reduces mammographic sensitivity. 3D tomosynthesis alone raises detection substantially, and combined DBT plus ultrasound is the pragmatic private package. In very dense breasts or with high familial risk, breast MRI is the most sensitive test.
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Can I have a mammogram if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Mammography is generally avoided in pregnancy. Breastfeeding is not an absolute contraindication but ultrasound is usually the first-line test. Discuss timing with your breast clinician.
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How quickly will I get my results?
Most private units issue a consultant breast radiologist report within 24 to 72 hours. If a finding needs same-visit ultrasound or a further view, this is usually arranged on the day so you leave with a clearer answer.
Related
Related tests and treatments.
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Mammography + breast MRI
Combined imaging pathway for high-risk screening.
Learn more -
Breast MRI screening
Contrast MRI as the most sensitive breast imaging test.
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Private MRI scan
Overview of private MRI imaging in London.
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Private ultrasound
Same-visit ultrasound options for breast and beyond.
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BRCA genetic test
Genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risk.
Learn more -
Breast reconstruction
Reconstructive options after mastectomy.
Learn more -
Breast cancer
Condition guide covering diagnosis and treatment.
Learn more -
All tests
Browse every test and procedure we cover.
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Book a private mammogram
A consultant breast radiologist, in the right London unit, in the right week.
Tell us your age, family history and any current symptom. We match you to the right technique - 2D, 3D DBT, or DBT plus ultrasound - and to the consultant best placed to read it.