Skip to main content

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 stethoscope on a clinical desk

Indicative pricing

What a private mammogram costs in the UK.

Indicative ranges across UK imaging units.

In short

£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.

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.

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 - it is fine to ask for plain English.

It is reasonable to ask your clinician to talk you through the operation note and any histology before your review.

  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

Common questions 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.

Related treatments

Looking for something else?