A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast, and it finds cancers too small to feel. Women at average risk are generally advised to start regular screening at 40, and earlier on a doctor’s advice if a mother, sister or daughter has had breast cancer.

Where, as of late 2026

The Ghana News Agency checked Accra’s main providers at the end of October 2026:

Where Then
37 Military Hospital Working; ₵300, confirmed by the hospital
University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon Working, but booking only five women a day
Lister Hospital and Fertility Centre Working; screening Monday, Wednesday and Friday
SYNLAB Working, by appointment
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Machines reported broken down
Ridge (Greater Accra Regional Hospital) Machine reported not working

Prices fall during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, when hospitals and labs run offers, and rise again afterwards.

Call before you go. A machine that worked last month may be down, and the queue at a public hospital can use up a day.

Going for one

  • Ask whether you need a doctor’s referral when you call. Some providers book a screening directly; a public hospital may route you through a clinic.
  • Avoid deodorant, powder and lotion under the arms and on the breasts on the day: they show on the X-ray.
  • Book for the week after your period, when the breasts are least tender.
  • Take earlier images if you have them. Comparing with an earlier mammogram is how a radiologist sees change.
  • Ask who reads it and when. You want a report from a radiologist, and to know how you will get it.

If you are younger, or the result is unclear

Under about forty, breast tissue is denser and an ultrasound is often the first test instead; some providers offer the two together. An unclear mammogram usually leads to an ultrasound or a biopsy, not straight to a diagnosis.

A lump you can feel is not a screening question. See a doctor about it now, whatever your age and whenever your last mammogram was.

— Hospitals in Accra — NHIS: what it covers — Private health insurance