Any x-ray involves radiation but mammograms only require a very low dose. It is about the same as the dose a person receives by flying from London to Australia and back. The risk that such a low dose could cause a cancer is far outweighed by the benefits of early detection of breast cancer.

Due to covid-19 restrictions only registered carers are permitted to attend with clients for their appointment

Some women find mammography uncomfortable and some find it painful, as the breasts have to be held firmly in position and pressed to take a good x-ray. If you do experience pain it usually only lasts as long as the mammogram, although it may continue for some time in a small number of women.

No. Breast screening aims to find breast cancer at an early stage when it may be too small to feel. Finding breast cancer early greatly increases your chances of successful treatment.

A mammogram takes a few minutes, however your whole visit to the screening unit will take about half an hour depending upon how busy it is.

Please visit this website for further information regarding screening for Transgender people

Please contact the office on 020 3758 2024 to discuss your appointment, as we may need to allocate more time for your screening. Your appointment may be made at a local screening unit, where we have better disabled access.

Yes, it is safe for you to have a mammogram. It is helpful if you can tell the mammographer where your pacemaker, stent, line or clip is sited. Please note, due to the implant a small area of the breast tissue may be hidden, preventing it from being seen on the x-ray. The film readers will only be able to report on the breast tissue that they can see on your mammogram.

Yes, because you still have breast tissue, which should be screened.

There is no evidence to suggest breast implants are damaged by mammograms. Breast implants appear as a solid white area on a mammogram. This may hide some of the breast tissue preventing it from being seen on the x-ray. The film readers will only be able to report on the breast tissue that they can see on your mammogram. If you have implants and you already have an appointment, please contact the office on 020 3758 2024 to discuss your screening appointment, as we would like to allocate more time for your appointment.

The nipple piercings would need to be removed prior to your mammogram.

Please speak to your GP prior to booking your screening appointment. It is recommended to delay your mammogram three months post pregnancy and breastfeeding. Please contact the unit before your appointment if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding, on 020 3758 2024

A mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breasts and is a method of finding breast cancer at a very early stage. A female mammographer will compress your breasts, one at a time between two special x-ray plates and take the x-rays. The compression only lasts a few seconds and does not cause any harm to the breasts. Compression is needed to keep the breast still and to get the clearest picture with the lowest amount of radiation possible.

You will be asked to undress completely down to your waist so it is a good idea to wear separates instead of a dress.

Your results will be sent to your home address and this should be within 2 weeks. You will be advised of any expected delays at the time of your screening.

Your mammogram will be performed either at a mobile screening van or static screening unit within a building, at one of our local screening sites.

A female mammographer will always perform the x-ray.