Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women with approximately 59,000 cases a year in the UK. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to give you the best chance of recovery, and a mammogram is a great way detect cancer early, especially for women over the age of 40.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray for breasts that identifies changes in the breast tissue that may not be seen or felt. It only takes a few minutes, and will be led and operated by a female Mammographer.
How do you prepare for a mammogram?
On the day, wear a two-piece outfit so that you only need to remove your top and bra. You should also avoid the use of deodorant, antiperspirants, lotions, creams, or perfumes under your arms or on your breasts – as this can affect the results of your mammogram.
Before you have your mammogram, you will have a consultation that will go through your medical history including previous surgeries or hormonal treatments you may have had, as well as any concerns you have. In this consultation you will be given further information on what to expect and how to prepare.
What happens during a mammogram?
During a mammogram, the breast is positioned between two flat plates on the machine, which lightly press together. This doesn’t last long, and is essential for getting clear images. There may be some discomfort, just let your Mammographer know and they can do their best to minimise this.
X-ray images will be taken of the breasts and sent to our expert Radiologists for review, who will develop a report with your results.
How can I access a private mammogram?
If you are over 40 and have no breast symptoms, you can refer yourself for a mammogram without needing a GP referral. It is a straightforward option that provides reassurance through consultant-reported imaging, with quick results and support if any further investigation is needed.
A self-referral mammogram is for women who:
- Have no breast symptoms
- Have not had a mammogram in the last 12 months
- Are aged over 40, and wish to be checked earlier than the NHS screening age of 50
- Prefer checks more regularly than the three-year NHS cycle
Save 10% on mammograms in September & October
You can currently claim 10% off your self-referral mammogram, on appointments attended between 1st September to 31 October 2026.
Both Breasts: £179 Now £160 One Breast: £146 Now £130
Important to know:
- This is a mammogram only (ultrasound is not included)
- If symptoms are identified before the appointment, you will be directed to the Breast Clinic pathway
If you are over 18 years old and experiencing concerning symptoms in your breasts such as pain, abnormalities or changes within the breast, you would be eligible to book an appointment at our One-Stop Breast Clinic. You may be offered an ultrasound in place of a mammogram if you are between the ages of 18-39, unless it is clinically justified you need a mammogram.
You can access both the mammogram service and the one-stop clinic at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone, Sevenoaks Medical Centre, and LycaHealth Orpington.
What are the next steps after a mammogram?
The next steps will be determined by which pathway you accessed your mammogram through, and your results.
If you accessed our self-referral mammogram, your results will be double-reported by our Breast Consultant Radiologists. Then, within 3-5 working days, you will be contacted either by a standard letter or by a phone call from a Breast Care Nurse.
If your mammogram was part of the One-Stop Breast Clinic, your results will be discussed with you as part of the same appointment. If necessary, a bespoke treatment plan will be made and the options will be explained to you. In some cases, further testing might be needed to gain a more detailed diagnosis.
If you were referred by your GP, your results will be sent back to your GP directly who will arrange an appropriate time to discuss your results report with you.