Private breast screening - good idea or not?

[RareKoala]

I'll try not to waffle on too much (!) but basically wanted to know if anyone is paying to have early mammograms and if it's a good idea.

For context - my mother had BC at 46 which was treated successfully and there's no other family history. I'm now the same age she was when she was diagnosed, so obviously having a bit of a stress related meltdown over it. I do try and self-check but they're so lumpy anyway that I find it really scary because it's so easy to get in a panicky spiral of 'is this normal lumpiness, is it new, was it there before' etc etc. GP has said I can't have early screening on the NHS and can only have the routine screening. I also had a fibroadenoma removed in my early 30's and the whole process of biopsy and wait for results was just horrendous. FWIW I've got endo and I'm in premature surgical meno due to treatment so I already have ongoing stressful health problems (and have changed my HRT twice in the last 6 months which obviously has caused changes in how my boobs feel, prompting my current panic).

Logically I know that the most likely scenario is that I won't get BC so I'm trying to think of paying for screening now as just a pro-active sensible approach that future me will be grateful for but wanted to know how others are handling this. Thanks in advance. xx.

I think if you can afford it, for the sake of half an hour and a few mins of squishing, it may be an idea. But, mammos quite often recall because of cysts or calcifications so you need to bear that in mind. If they see something then quite likely you will need a follow up apt to tell you it is nothing. For what it is worth, I had BC when I was 52. Neither of my sisters, mother, grandmothers or any family member has had BC so unless there is a direct genetic link, it is unlikely to follow that you have it because your mum did - there are lots of other causes the main one being oestrogen.

Yes, I think a private mamogram is a good idea.

Why not OP, if you can afford it and want a piece of mind, go for it - but be aware, at times the tests come as a positive and more often than not arebenign, thankfully.

You could then take the results to your NHS GP for further action to confirm the lump was ....

If you are going to pay for it go for a thermogram instead. It's non squish and more thorough.

I have an annual mammogram and ultrasound and it’s well worth it for me

Mammograms are not always very effective in younger women who have more dense breast tissue. My breast cancer was not picked up by the routine mammogram I had and even when I presented at the one stop breast clinic with a lump which turned out to be cancer, they needed to use an ultrasound to see it.

I don't know if there is private screening for younger women which includes an ultrasound? Otherwise having a private mammogram could provide false reassurance.

Does anyone know if you have a private mammogram do they look at the images there and then and tell you the findings or is there still a 2 week wait for results?

The one I'm looking at they give you an immediate answer, it's part of what you pay for. FWIW I have private care for other things and the quick response makes such a difference - I get same day results for blood tests and even MRI.

Thanks everyone - I'm aware of the risk of a false positive and mammograms being less effective in younger women with dense tissue. It's one of the things that's putting me off. There is an option to pay for an ultrasound as well, though. But having an unnecessary biopsy is a concern :/

Thank you @RareKoala that’s useful information.

The Royal Marsden private care section offers complete testing, mammogram & ultra sound & consultation with expert breast surgeon. All in same day. Well worth it.