Mammography

A private mammogram is a private breast screening process that uses X-ray imaging to spot abnormalities or changes to the breast tissue. This type of screening is done to check for early signs of breast cancer as well as to diagnose other conditions.

At New Victoria Hospital, our private mammogram service offers a straightforward path to breast screening with the highest standards of imaging. Mammography results are analysed by two specialised Breast Radiologists, and the report is shared directly with your GP or Breast Consultant within 72 hours.

What To Expect During a Private Breast Screening?

You can self refer for a mammogram if you are not currently displaying any symptoms. The screening is typically around 30 minutes long.

You can expect the following when coming to New Victoria Hospital for a private mammogram:

A brief initial discussion with a Breast Radiographer who will ask you to fill in a questionnaire about your lifestyle, personal and family medical history. They will explain the procedure and answer any questions you have.
You will be asked to remove any clothing from the waist up and directed to stand in front of the mammography machine.
The Radiographer will place your breast between two plates, which will firmly press together from above to flatten your breast. This will hold your breast still for a couple of seconds while the machine takes X-ray images.
If the Radiographer is happy with the images and decides they do not need to be retaken, the process is repeated on the second breast.

On The Day of Your Self-referral Mammogram, it is Important to be Aware:

You will not be given any results on the day of your appointment as mammograms are required to be reviewed and reported by two Consultant Breast Radiologists.
Additional views/ pictures may be taken and are a part of the normal process to spread out breast tissue and not cause for concern.
In some instances, Mammograms alone may not provide enough diagnostic information for a definite result. Your GP may need to send you further investigations such as a breast ultrasound or referral to a Breast Surgeon.

For this reason, all Mammogram results are sent directly to your GP within 72 hours of your appointment. Please contact your GP for the results of your Mammogram 72 hours after your appointment. If further treatment or intervention is required, your GP will explain this to you.

Is a Mammogram Safe?

It is a very safe test, however with any tests there is slight risk. Some women have expressed feeling discomfort or pressure during the mammogram; however, this should only last for a few moments while the images are being taken and will typically disappear once the screening is over.

X-rays

A mammogram does use radiation to produce X-ray images of the patient’s breast, but the amount of radiation is very small. The radiation from an X-ray can very rarely cause cancer. However, increasing exposure to radiation through regular mammograms every 3 years can very slightly increase the chance of getting cancer over a woman’s lifetime.

Pregnancy

If you think you may be pregnant before the mammogram is taken, please inform the radiologist beforehand as the X-rays could affect the development of your baby.

Two women walking and talking at New Victoria Hospital

Why Would You Book a Private Breast Screening?

Booking a private breast screening can give asymptomatic patients peace of mind, especially if they have a family history of breast cancer.

If you are 47 years or older, the NHS currently offers three-yearly mammograms for women. However, if you would like to have a breast check before you turn 47, or to have your breast screening outside of the scheduled three-year window for the NHS, a self-referral mammogram is the best option.

Starting at 40, you can book a private mammogram every year to ensure check-ups are more frequent and any changes to breast health are quicker to spot. This helps with early detection of breast cancer, allowing for less invasive and more effective treatments.

One Stop Breast Clinic

If you notice any changes in your breasts or have suffered from any previous breast symptoms, at New Victoria Hospital, we offer an all-encompassing One-Stop Breast Clinic. This service is BUPA accredited and provides individual care with specialist Consultant Breast Surgeons, Consultant Breast Radiologists and Breast Radiographers.

Upon referral to this clinic, you will have access to a triple assessment of your breasts in one visit, providing you with a thorough and accurate screening diagnosis.

Triple assessment includes:

● Consultation with a Breast Surgeon

● Mammogram and/or Breast Ultrasound

● Sampling (fine needle aspiration) of any suspicious lump found

women in a waiting room talking to a patient

Having a Private Mammogram at New Victoria Hospital

At New Victoria Hospital, we make booking and attending a private breast screening as straightforward and reassuring as possible. Our dedicated Imaging department provides a calm and supportive environment, ensuring your comfort throughout the process.

With access to our mammography technology, you can be confident that your screening will be accurate, efficient, and handled with the utmost care. With quick turnaround as results are sent directly to your GP within 72 hours of your appointment.

Start your journey to better health with our specialised private mammogram services.

The private mammogram is usually a self-pay service. If you have private medical insurance and a referral from your GP or Breast Consultant, mammograms might be covered under your plan. Please, check with your insurance company before booking your appointment. We are covered by all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Vitality Health, and WPA.

Get in touch to book a Mammography appointment at New Victoria Hospital.