We understand that attending a breast screening can feel daunting. At Welbeck, we’ve created a relaxing, private environment that has been purpose-built with your needs in mind.
Every screening appointment is 30 minutes, so your examination doesn’t feel rushed or stressful. The experience is completely personalised to you, and there’s plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
Our enhanced breast screening follows these steps:
Your female mammographer will begin by asking you about any family and personal medical history, will explain the procedure, and answer any questions you have.
You’ll be asked to undress from the waist up, and the screening will begin.
Your mammographer will place one of your breasts between special plates on the mammogram machine.
Your breast will be pressed gently but firmly between the imaging plates for a few seconds, and 2 images will be taken.
This will then be repeated on the other breast.
Your images will be read, and your results will be shared with you on the same day.
Some women find mammograms to be uncomfortable, and a few may find them painful, but any discomfort only lasts for a few seconds.
When reading your mammograms, your mammographer will assess your breast tissue density. If you have dense breasts, they may recommend a breast ultrasound, which can be carried out on the same day.
What happens if an abnormality is found?
If any abnormalities are found, you have a few options in terms of your follow-up care.
If you choose to have further investigations at Welbeck, which could include scans, biopsies, and minor procedures, we’ll support you every step of the way to help you make the right decisions for your health.
Alternatively, we can support your pathway with the NHS by providing a full report and transferring your images to your chosen breast clinic. We’ll continue to monitor your progress to ensure you don't become lost in the system, and we’ll check you’ve received the necessary follow-up appointments as recommended by our radiologist.
This means you may still receive NHS mammogram appointments every 3 years while also attending yearly mammograms with us at Welbeck.