Test / Diagnostic Procedure: Enhanced Breast Screening (Mammogram)

Every mammogram appointment takes 30 minutes, meaning each patient has plenty of time with the radiographer and a completely personalised experience. We offer 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) as standard with no additional charge – this digital technology allows a much more detailed view the first time round, therefore reducing the amount of extra images needed and re-calls that patients might otherwise require at a different centre.

Please note we can only offer private mammograms for patients who are currently not showing any breast cancer symptoms. If you have found a lump or any other concerning symptoms in your breast, it is advised to contact your GP or your private health insurer as soon as possible.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK, causing about 11,500 deaths in women each year. The survival rate from the disease has been steadily improving over time, and now over 75% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer are alive 10 years later; and over 98% of women with breast cancers detected by screening are alive 5 years later.

Screening women between the ages of 40 and 49 will reduce the chance of a woman dying from breast cancer by 25% and annual screening after the age of 50 can reduce the chance of dying from breast cancer by 25-30%. Breast screening now saves 1,300 lives every year in the UK.

Simply put, the earlier cancer is detected, the quicker treatment can be administered, and the survival rate is much higher. This is why regular screening appointments are so important as they ensure any early signs of cancer are detected.

Following the American College of Radiology’s guidelines, we recommend that all women should start having regular screening appointments from the age of 40, and you are able to self-refer (i.e. book directly without needing a GP referral) for a private screening mammogram with us from this age. We also recommend annual screening, as opposed to every three years, to ensure any abnormalities are identified at the earliest possible stage.

We understand that going for a breast screening mammogram is often a daunting and uncomfortable experience. This is why we’ve taken every step to ensure you feel at ease and cared for every step of the way. Easily-accessed in central London, the centre is a calm and relaxing space with no congested waiting areas, and has been purpose-built with patients’ needs in mind. Every mammogram appointment has 30 minutes allocated, meaning the examination isn’t rushed or stressful, and you have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you wish.

Of course, our team of experts are the ones who really make the difference to each person’s visit. Our lead mammographer has over 30 years of experience, making sure that our radiologists receive the clearest images to spot any slight abnormalities. With her calm and friendly demeanour, she ensures that everyone in her care feels as relaxed and looked after as possible. We also make sure to always have a radiologist in the centre each day, meaning that mammograms are immediately assessed with results given at the end of the appointment, plus any further tests if they are needed.

At OneWelbeck we use cutting-edge technology that gives us better images than a standard mammogram, and we are the most technologically-advanced screening unit in the UK. By using digital mammography, which gives high-resolution images, our radiographers ensure that the breast radiologists receive as much information as possible to make an accurate assessment of a mammogram, which leads to diagnosis and follow-on care (if needed).

What really sets us apart is the use of artificial intelligence to further enhance the level of interpretation and analysis from the images produced by a digital mammogram. We use a system called ProFound AI® Solutions, which compares a patient’s mammography images against those it has previously learned from. It acts as another pair of eyes for doctors, helping them identify even subtle lesions that may be hard to detect with the naked eye, such as those found with dense breasts.

A clinical study found that ProFound AI improved breast cancer detection by an average of 8%, and reduced unnecessary patient recalls by 7%, compared to mammography alone.

Our technology also enables us to assess breast density by using Quantra (automated density profiling). Dense breasts can lead to an increased risk of breast cancer, as well as making abnormalities harder to identify on a mammogram image, so this technology is key in letting us know whether a follow-up ultrasound is needed.

If your standard screening mammogram shows any abnormalities, you have various options in terms of your follow-on care.

If you choose to have further investigations at OneWelbeck, which could include biopsies, scans and minor procedures, we will work with you to be completely transparent with our competitive pricing and to help you understand the costs. If you have private health insurance, we are covered by all major private medical insurers in the UK, who will typically offer cover from the point at which abnormalities are found on a mammogram.

Options for breast screening

Alternatively, we can support your pathway with the NHS. We can give you your full report, and with our information portal we can transfer your images to your chosen NHS breast clinic. We will continue to monitor your progress to ensure that you do not become lost in the system, and to check that you receive the necessary follow-up appointments that our Radiologist has recommended. This means customers can still receive 3-yearly NHS mammogram appointments, whilst also coming to us for 1 and 2 yearly interval screens, or one 18 month screen, to complement the national mammogram programme.

Booking your screening appointment at OneWelbeck is simple – visit our booking portal to book your private screening today. Alternatively, you can call us on 020 3653 2008, or email our team at bookings.womenshealth@onewelbeck.com.

Please note we can only offer private mammograms for patients who are currently not showing any breast cancer symptoms. If you have found a lump or any other concerning symptoms in your breast, it is advised to contact your GP or your private health insurer as soon as possible.

"I would like to thank you and your team so much for the wonderful care given to me recently and kindness shown when I attended for a mammogram. Although this was just a routine check-up you paid such attention to ensuring my wellbeing. You and your assistant Andrea both went out of your way to explain the process and to make me comfortable, physically and mentally. You also went to the trouble of collecting my previous mammograms from my GP to compare and look for any changes. When I needed to return for a further scan and then a biopsy of a tiny calcium deposit you were just as kind and considerate. Dr Malhotra, Consultant Radiologist could not have been more gentle while carrying out the biopsy. I felt safe in all of your hands with no pain at all, so much so that while lying still for the biopsy I could have fallen asleep ! Your aftercare was equally amazing. I experienced no bruising or swelling, I am sure due to the care you took to prevent this, and Andrea called the next day to see how I was. Fortunately the biopsy results were all clear, however I am so pleased that I decided to have the initial mammogram, and to do this with your clinic. I know that if there had been any serious problem it would have been caught by your incredible attention to detail and that you would have supported me through it with every care and kindness."

Screening mammogram patient, seen by Johanna Kelsey