- Breast cancer screening
Breast cancer screening
Mayo Clinic Healthcare uses mammograms here in our London based clinic to both perform routine breast cancer screenings and to investigate symptoms.
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray used in breast cancer screening. This can help find cancer early, before it can be seen or felt.
At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, we use 3D mammograms, also known as breast tomosynthesis, which take multiple images to form a 3D view. These provide your consultants with the most detailed images from which to diagnose.
A private mammogram with Mayo Clinic Healthcare can:
- Detect breast cancer early
- Improve treatment outcomes
- Identify changes that need further review
Early detection gives you more treatment options, and typically better outcomes.
We use diagnostic mammograms to investigate a series of symptoms, including:
- A lump, bump or pain in your breast
- Discharge or other fluid leaking from your nipple
- Changes in the skin of your breast, such as redness or a rash
If needed, we may combine your private mammogram with other imaging techniques to give you clearer answers.
We recommend you schedule the test when your breasts are least tender - typically the week after your menstrual period.
You will need to avoid deodorants, antiperspirants, lotions, or powders under the arms or on the breasts, as these can interfere with the images.
If you have breast implants, you should inform your radiographer, as these can interfere with the results.
Your mammogram will be carried out by a specially trained female mammographer, who will guide you through the entire process. You are welcome to ask questions at any time.
You will be asked to change into a gown or clinical scrubs. For the test, you will need to undress from the waist up. You will also need to remove any neck jewellery.
- Your radiographer will position you in front of the mammography machine.
- One breast will be carefully placed on a platform, and a clear plastic plate will be pressed against the breast for a few seconds.
- During the scan, you will be asked to hold your breath and stay as still as possible. An X-ray then captures black and white images that your consultants will review.
- Usually, you will have two X-rays taken for each breast: one from above and one from the side.
The compression is necessary for imaging purposes, and is not harmful, but may be uncomfortable. Your healthcare team will ask how you are doing throughout the procedure. If you are in physical discomfort or you feel nervous or embarrassed, tell your technician, and they can make necessary adjustments.
You can expect the mammogram to take less than 30 minutes, and you can return to your usual daily activities immediately.
Mammograms are generally safe, but they do produce a small amount of radiation. For most people, the benefits of regular screening outweigh the low dose of radiation.
Your images will be sent to the radiology department for reporting, which is typically completed within 48 hours.
If necessary, your consultant will confer with any of our other Mayo Clinic Healthcare specialists for their expertise. These may be multi-disciplinary experts, based either in the UK or the U.S. This may cause a delay, but we endeavour to get you the right answer quickly.
Some cancers cannot be detected on the mammogram, particularly if they are very small or located outside of the field of the test. Some cancers also grow quickly. A mammogram can detect cancer, but no specific screening can guarantee a specific outcome.
It’s important to know that most findings are not cancer. However, if a mammogram shows something unexpected, your consultant may recommend additional imaging or a biopsy.
Your private mammogram will be performed on site in London.
Private health insurance
Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA, PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.
Book your private mammogram in London
Our team is available to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps of your mammogram. Request an appointment with us today.
- Breast cancer screening