Breast health changes over time, and so do your screening options. Whether you’re under 50, in the NHS screening age range, or over 70, knowing when and how to check your breasts can make all the difference. This simple guide cuts through the confusion, explains NHS and private options, and helps you feel confident about the choices available to you.
Breast health is important at every stage of life. Understanding your screening options - whether you’re under 50, between 50 and 70, or over 70 - can help you detect changes early and make informed choices.
This guide provides practical advice and outlines both NHS and private screening options so you can find what works best for you.
Routine NHS breast screening begins at age 50, leaving many women under 50 wondering how best to monitor their breast health.
While breast cancer is less common before 50, about 1 in 50 women are still diagnosed at a younger age (Cancer Research UK).
For most, being breast aware - knowing how your breasts normally look and feel - is the key to early detection.
Before age 50, routine mammogram screening is not generally recommended for most women.
Instead, the NHS encourages breast awareness - being familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel and promptly checking any changes, such as lumps, skin changes and unusual discharge. (NHS).
Breast cancer is less common in younger women, but when it occurs, it can sometimes be more aggressive.Cancer Research UK). Early detection improves treatment options and outcomes, so knowing what to look for is important.
If you do notice anything unusual, your next step should be to contact your GP or a breast specialist. Awareness is your first line of defence, and timely action ensures you get expert guidance when needed.
The NHS advises earlier breast screening for women who are considered at higher risk due to factors such as:
These women may be referred for regular mammograms or MRI scans, often annually, through the NHS. (NHS).
If you believe you might be at increased risk, speak to your GP, who can assess your situation and advise whether earlier NHS screening is appropriate.
Private breast screening is available without needing an NHS invitation or GP referral. Women aged 40 to 50 can self-refer for private mammograms at convenient times.
Private screening often includes:
Private screening is especially suitable for women with dense breasts, those at higher risk, or anyone wanting more control and clarity over their screening schedule.
Choosing whether to have screening before 50 depends on your personal health, family history, and how closely you want to monitor your breast health.
For most women under 50, breast awareness combined with prompt medical advice if changes occur is sufficient.
Others, especially those with risk factors, may benefit from earlier or more frequent screening.
Discuss your options with your GP, a breast specialist, or one of our patient pathway coordinators to make the most informed decision for your individual situation.
Staying breast aware and acting quickly if you notice changes is key to maintaining breast health before 50.
If you’re aged 50 to 70, you’ll typically receive routine NHS breast screening invitations every three years. (NHS).
Many women are familiar with how NHS screening works, but you might wonder what options are available if you want more frequent or tailored check-ups between these routine appointments.
While the NHS offers mammograms every three years, some women prefer more frequent monitoring. This might be due to:
Breast cancer can sometimes develop between NHS screenings, which is why some women choose additional checks. Understanding your options allows you to make informed decisions about your breast health.
Private breast screening is available without needing an NHS invitation or GP referral. Many private centres, including OneWelbeck, offer:
This thorough review can help you better understand your breast health and any findings, offering extra reassurance and guidance tailored to you.
Choosing whether to stick with NHS routine screening or add private screening depends on:
Discuss your options with your GP or a breast specialist to find the best approach for your breast health.
Whether you continue with NHS screening or explore private options, staying informed and breast aware remains key.
To learn more about private breast screening or how it can complement NHS checks, contact OneWelbeck’s Enhanced Breast Screening Centre.
Many women feel unsure or unaware of their breast screening options once they turn 71, as the NHS stops sending automatic invitations at this age. However, breast cancer risk actually increases with age - around one in three breast cancers are diagnosed in women over 70. (Cancer Research UK).
This section explains why breast screening remains important after 70, the NHS and private options available, and the benefits of each.
Breast cancer risk increases as we age. Without screening, cancers are often found later when they’re harder to treat. Screening helps detect cancer early - before symptoms appear - when treatment is usually simpler and more effective.(NHS).
Data from Cancer Research UK shows that women diagnosed through screening are around 25% more likely to survive breast cancer compared to those diagnosed after symptoms develop. (<Cancer Research UK).
Official NHS guidelines recommend routine mammograms every three years for women over 70 who choose to continue screening. (NHS)
At OneWelbeck’s Enhanced Breast Screening Centre, we recommend private mammograms every 18 months to help identify and treat potential abnormalities as early as possible. This approach is particularly valuable for women with higher risk factors or dense breast tissue, and aligns with expert views on personalised breast health monitoring, regardless of age.
The right screening frequency depends on your health, risk profile, and how closely you want to monitor your breast health. Discuss your options with your GP, a breast specialist, or patient pathway coordinators.
Deciding whether to continue breast screening after 70 depends on your health, life expectancy, and personal comfort. Both NHS and private screening have benefits. Private screening can offer extra flexibility, faster results, and more personalised options. Here’s how to make it easier:
Remember, screening is your choice. Take the time to make an informed decision that feels right for you.
Continuing breast screening is safe, straightforward, and can detect cancer early, when treatment is most effective.