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Concierge breast imaging · UK

Private mammogram - from 40, or when something changes.

A digital or 3D tomosynthesis mammogram at a CQC-registered breast unit, read by a UK consultant breast radiologist. Screening from age 40, or same-visit triple assessment if a lump has been found.

A radiographer guides a patient onto the bed of an advanced 3 Tesla MRI scanner in a London imaging suite

Why patients choose us

  • 01

    A subspecialty consultant radiologist’s report

    Body, MSK, neuro or uroradiology consultants read the scan that fits - not a generalist working through a list.

  • 02

    Booked in days, not weeks

    Weekday, evening and weekend slots across London and the major UK cities.

  • 03

    Independent, and free

    We take no fee from clinics, so the recommendation - including "don’t bother" - is impartial and costs you nothing.

Indicative pricing

What a private mammogram costs in the UK.

Indicative ranges across our partner imaging units. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options, with cover checked.

In short

Private mammogram in our network: £200–£450, report in 24–72 hours.

Procedure Indicative range
Digital mammogram (screening) £200–£300
Tomosynthesis (3D) mammogram £280–£450
Mammogram + breast ultrasound £350–£600
Triple assessment (image + exam + biopsy if needed) £500–£1,200
Breast MRI (add-on) £500–£900
Breast consultant consultation £250–£450

Prices vary by digital vs tomosynthesis (3D), by whether ultrasound is added, and by whether it’s bundled with a consultation.

The problem

NHS screens from 50 to 71. Private mammograms fill the gap.

NHS breast screening runs every three years for women 50–71. Private mammography extends screening from age 40, offers earlier reappraisal after a benign finding, and gives fast triple assessment where a symptom has appeared.

  • Screening from 40

    Family history or personal choice - many centres offer annual or biennial from 40.

  • Same-visit triple assessment

    Mammogram + ultrasound + clinical exam, sometimes with a core biopsy the same day.

  • Dense breast tissue

    Ultrasound (± MRI) is added when tomosynthesis alone is not enough.

The journey

From enquiry to recovery - what happens, in order.

One team from first message through operation, histology and follow-up.

  1. 01

    Before

    Tell us why

    Symptom, family history, screening interval, prior imaging.

  2. 02

    Before

    Same-week booking

    Options across London and major UK cities, evenings and weekends.

  3. 03

    Before

    Preparation

    No deodorant, talc or lotion on the day. Bring prior mammograms.

  4. 04

    On the day

    The mammogram

    10–15 minutes. Two views per breast; extra views if needed.

  5. 05

    On the day

    Ultrasound if indicated

    Added the same visit for dense breasts, symptomatic assessment or a finding.

  6. 06

    After

    Consultant report

    Breast radiologist report within 24–72 hours.

  7. 07

    After

    Follow-up if needed

    If a biopsy is recommended, we set up a triple assessment with a consultant surgeon within days.

Typical end-to-end: 1–2 weeks from enquiry to reported scan.

When it helps

When a private mammogram is the right step.

Screening and symptomatic scenarios where mammography is the first look.

  • Screening from age 40

    Personal choice or family history - earlier than the NHS 50–71 pathway.

  • Palpable breast lump

    Any new lump warrants triple assessment.

  • Nipple discharge

    Especially bloody or unilateral - mammogram + ultrasound.

  • Family history of breast cancer

    First-degree relative or BRCA1/2 - earlier and more frequent imaging.

  • Prior benign biopsy

    Some benign findings mean earlier follow-up mammograms.

  • Post-treatment surveillance

    After treatment for breast cancer - annual mammography is standard.

  • Dense breast tissue

    Ultrasound and sometimes MRI added because mammography sensitivity drops.

  • Red flag: skin change or inflammation

    Skin dimpling, redness, orange-peel change, retracted nipple - urgent triple assessment.

Procedure options

Options within breast imaging.

What each modality does - and where they combine.

  • Digital mammography

    Two views per breast - the standard screening scan.

  • Tomosynthesis (3D)

    Multiple thin-slice images - improves detection in dense breasts.

  • Breast ultrasound

    Radiation-free targeted imaging - added for dense breasts or a specific lump.

  • Contrast-enhanced mammography

    IV contrast added - an alternative to MRI in some centres.

  • Breast MRI

    High sensitivity - used in BRCA carriers and problem-solving.

  • Core biopsy

    Ultrasound- or stereo-guided - the diagnostic tool if imaging suggests cancer.

  • Vacuum-assisted biopsy

    Larger tissue sample - for atypia or B3 lesions.

  • Fine-needle aspiration

    Occasional use - for cysts, sometimes lymph nodes.

Our vetted UK network

A small panel of radiologists, we picked them.

Consultant radiologists across London and the major UK cities. Introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.

Selection criteria

How we choose every consultant in our network.

A modern UK operating theatre
Consultant-led care
  • CQC-registered imaging centres with modern 1.5T/3T MRI, multislice CT or high-end ultrasound

  • UK GMC-registered subspecialty consultant radiologists reporting the scan

  • Same-week appointments including evenings and weekends across London and major UK cities

  • Direct insurer preauth handling for Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA and Cigna

Safety and recovery

What to expect afterwards - honestly.

The safety profile is well understood. What matters is choosing the right test, and reading the report honestly.

  • Small radiation dose

    A mammogram is 0.4 mSv - around 7 weeks of background radiation.

  • Compression is uncomfortable

    Necessary for clear images; brief and eases immediately after.

  • False positives

    Screening finds abnormalities that need work-up but are benign - most callbacks are.

  • Dense breasts limit sensitivity

    Ultrasound and sometimes MRI added to improve detection.

  • Under 40s

    Ultrasound is usually the first look - mammography added if clinically needed.

  • Pregnancy and lactation

    Ultrasound preferred; mammography is used only when clinically necessary.

  • Implants

    Special views and technique needed - always tell the unit in advance.

  • Follow-up intervals

    Annual or biennial in the private sector depending on risk.

  • When to escalate

    Rapidly growing lump, skin ulceration or spreading redness - urgent triple assessment.

Reading your operation note

Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.

Whichever centre does the scan, the report keeps to the same shape.

A UK consultant reviewing operation notes

A quiet reminder

Surgical language is precise and can read coldly - we translate it for you.

If you would like us to talk you through the operation note and any histology before your review, just ask.

  1. 01 Header

    Indication and technique

    Screening or symptomatic, digital or tomosynthesis, views taken.

  2. 02 Findings

    Each breast, each quadrant

    Masses, calcifications, architectural distortion described with size and location.

  3. 03 BI-RADS

    Structured category

    0 (incomplete), 1 (normal), 2 (benign), 3 (probably benign), 4 (suspicious), 5 (highly suspicious).

  4. 04 Impression

    Summary and recommendation

    Read this first - the category and any recommended follow-up or biopsy.

Recognised by major UK insurers

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

Diagnostic mammography (with a symptom or a specialist referral) is usually covered by UK PMI. Elective screening in a well woman is often self-pay.

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about private mammogram.

Quick answers on approach, recovery, risks and cost.

  • From what age should I start private mammograms?

    Many private units screen from age 40. The NHS screens 50–71 every 3 years. Personal risk, family history and dense-breast tissue push some women to earlier or more frequent private scans.

  • What is tomosynthesis?

    Tomosynthesis (3D mammography) takes multiple thin-slice images across the breast. It improves detection in dense breasts and slightly cuts recall rates for benign findings, at a modestly higher radiation dose than 2D digital mammography.

  • How much does a private mammogram cost in the UK?

    £200–£300 for a digital mammogram, £280–£450 for tomosynthesis, £350–£600 with breast ultrasound, £500–£1,200 for a full triple assessment.

  • Is a mammogram enough for dense breasts?

    Not always. Dense breast tissue reduces mammography sensitivity, and ultrasound (or MRI in high-risk cases) is added to improve detection.

  • How much radiation is in a mammogram?

    Around 0.4 mSv - about 7 weeks of background radiation. Tomosynthesis is slightly higher. The benefit outweighs the small dose in the appropriate age group.

  • What happens if my mammogram finds something?

    Most findings are benign. If further imaging or biopsy is recommended, we arrange a same-week triple assessment with a consultant breast surgeon.

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Send us your enquiry

A concierge service for UK private healthcare. We match you with the best vetted clinics and consultants in our network - they then contact you directly.

So we can match you to the right clinician close to you.

We reply to every enquiry within 24 hours (Mon–Fri). Confidential - your details are never shared outside our vetted consultant network.