Contact number: 020 7806 4030
What is a private mammogram?
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray examination of the breast tissue. During the scan, each breast is gently compressed between two plates for a few seconds while the image is taken. The compression is brief and necessary to spread the tissue and produce a clear image; most women find it mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. A standard two-view mammogram takes around 15 to 20 minutes in total.
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, all mammograms are double-reported: your images are independently reviewed by two consultant radiologists, which significantly reduces the chance of anything being missed. A detailed report is sent to your GP or referring clinician, typically within 48 hours. Our imaging department is based at our hospital in St John’s Wood (NW8) and serves patients from across London.
Who should have a private mammogram?
A private mammogram may be suitable if you:
- Are aged 45 or over and have not had a mammogram in the last year, and have no current symptoms
- Are waiting for an NHS mammogram appointment and would prefer faster access
- Have been advised by a GP or specialist to have breast imaging but do not yet have an NHS appointment
- Wish to have routine breast screening as part of a general health check
If you are under 45, or if you have symptoms such as a lump, nipple changes, breast pain or skin changes, you should book our one-stop breast package, which includes a consultation with a breast specialist who will advise on the most appropriate investigation for you.
If you are, or think you could be, pregnant, please tell your doctor before booking a mammogram.
How much does a Mammogram cost?
from £360*
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital-related costs for your Mammogram. It does not include consultation fees or any additional diagnostics that may be required. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed,
How to pay for your Mammogram
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently asked questions about Mammograms
Any small increased risk from radiation exposure is likely to be outweighed by the benefit of detecting breast cancer early.
You should always inform your physician or mammographer if there is any possibility that they are pregnant
If you are over 45, haven’t had a mammogram in the last year and do not have any symptoms of breast cancer then you do not need a referral to book a mammogram
If your breasts are usually tender in the week before your menstrual period we advise you do not schedule a digital mammogram for this time. The optimum time for a mammogram is in the week following your period.
It is also very important you inform your doctor or mammographer if there is any possibility that you could be pregnant.
Before screening we recommend you refrain from wearing deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These can appear on the mammogram as calcium spots.
If you have booked a routine mammogram, then the results will be sent directly to your GP.
No, you won’t need to be fully undressed when you have your mammogram. You will be asked to remove your top, including your bra, so you can place your breast on a special platform to have your scan. You won’t need to remove your bottom half of your clothes so we recommend you wear trousers/ skirt and a top for your appointment.
A private mammogram at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital costs from £360*. This price covers all hospital charges for the scan.
*Please note that this guide price covers hospital charges and excludes consultant and diagnostic fees. We accept both self-pay and insured patients; please check with your insurer before booking as prior authorisation may be required.
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.