NHS vs private mammogram: at a glance
| Feature | NHS breast screening | Private mammogram (self-paid) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost NHS: NHS screening | Free | Paid for by the person; each clinic sets its own fee |
| Who it is for NHS: Who breast screening is for | Women aged 50 up to their 71st birthday registered with a GP as female; people aged 71 or over can ask | Set by each clinic |
| How often NHS: Who breast screening is for | Every 3 years | Whenever the person books |
| How it is booked NHS: How to book or change a breast screening appointment | An invitation with a pre-booked appointment | Booked directly with the clinic |
| Where NHS: How to book or change a breast screening appointment | A breast screening clinic, often in a hospital, or a mobile unit | A private clinic or hospital |
| The test NHS: What happens at your breast screening appointment | 2 X-rays of each breast, taken by a female mammographer | An X-ray of the breast; what is included varies by clinic |
| Results NHS: Your breast screening results | By letter, usually within 2 weeks, with a copy sent to the GP | Arranged by each clinic |
| If more tests are needed NHS: Your breast screening results | An appointment for further tests, such as more mammograms, ultrasound or a biopsy | Depends on each clinic’s arrangements |
| If you have symptoms NHS: Who breast screening is for | See a GP or doctor; do not wait for screening | See a GP or doctor; do not wait for screening |
Each row links to the NHS, NICE or WHO page it comes from. On a small screen, scroll the table sideways.
Key takeaways
- All screening tests provided by the NHS, including breast screening, are free. Private screening tests are paid for. (NHS: NHS screening)
- NHS breast screening invites women aged 50 up to their 71st birthday every 3 years; people aged 71 or over can ask for an appointment. (NHS: Who breast screening is for)
- Anyone worried about breast cancer symptoms should see a GP or doctor, even if they recently had a mammogram, and not wait for screening. (NHS: Who breast screening is for)
- People with a higher chance of breast cancer may be screened earlier or more often on the NHS. A GP can refer them to a genetic specialist. (NHS: Why breast screening is done)
Who can have NHS breast screening?
In England, NHS breast screening is offered to women aged 50 up to their 71st birthday. Everyone registered with a GP as female is invited automatically, first between 50 and 53 and then every 3 years. People aged 71 or over are not invited automatically, but they can ask for free screening every 3 years.
Trans and non-binary people can have NHS breast screening in some situations, and a GP surgery or the local breast screening service can advise. In Scotland, screening is offered to women aged 50 to 70 every 3 years, and people aged 71 or over can self-refer.
Sources: NHS: Who breast screening is for; NHS England (GOV.UK): Breast screening for women aged 71 or over; NHS inform (Scotland): Breast screening
What does a private mammogram involve?
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast, whoever provides it. The NHS explains that private companies offer a range of screening tests that people pay for. Fees, waiting times, who reads the images and what is included are set by each private clinic, so they vary. We do not list prices here for that reason.
The NHS says anyone worried about symptoms of breast cancer should see a GP, even if they have recently had breast screening, rather than wait for their next screening appointment.
Sources: NHS: NHS screening; NHS: Who breast screening is for
What are the benefits and limits of any mammogram?
The NHS says regular breast screening is one of the best ways to spot a cancer that is too small to feel or see, and that finding cancer early can make treatment more likely to succeed. It also explains the limits: mammograms do not always find a cancer that is there, cancer can develop between mammograms, and some cancers found would never have become life-threatening.
Mammograms use a small amount of radiation, which very slightly raises the chance of getting cancer over a lifetime. The NHS says most people feel the benefits of breast screening outweigh the possible risks.
What if someone is worried about their breast cancer risk?
Some people have a higher chance of breast cancer, for example because several close relatives have had breast or ovarian cancer, or because of a gene change such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. The NHS says they should speak to a GP, who may refer them to a genetic specialist. Depending on their risk, they may be invited for screening before 50, more often than every 3 years, or have MRI scans as well.
NICE guidance sets out when yearly mammograms or MRI scans are offered to women with a family history of breast cancer.
Sources: NHS: Why breast screening is done; NICE CG164: Familial breast cancer – surveillance and early detection
Frequently asked questions
Is NHS breast screening free?
Source: NHS: NHS screening
Can I have NHS breast screening before 50?
Should I wait for my next mammogram if I notice a change?
Source: NHS: Who breast screening is for
What happens if an NHS mammogram shows something?
Does Breast Cancer Charity pay for private mammograms in the UK?
Source: NHS: NHS screening
Sources and references
- NHS: NHS screening
- NHS: Who breast screening is for
- NHS: How to book or change a breast screening appointment
- NHS: What happens at your breast screening appointment
- NHS: Your breast screening results
- NHS: Why breast screening is done
- NHS England (GOV.UK): Breast screening for women aged 71 or over
- NHS inform (Scotland): Breast screening
- NICE CG164: Familial breast cancer – surveillance and early detection
This page is general information, not medical advice. A GP or doctor can advise on your own situation. Source links do not imply endorsement by the NHS or another organisation. See our editorial policy.