Young professionals go private for MRI scans and cancer checks

Young professionals are giving up on the NHS and going private for cancer checks and diagnostic scans, new data shows.

A record one million people received health tests and scans privately last year, as the public grew increasingly disillusioned with long and stressful waits for GP appointments and checks.

The report by the Independent Healthcare Provider Network (IHPN) found that demand for private health tests has soared among working-age professionals in their twenties, thirties and forties.

Experts said this reflects a desire to get “peace of mind” for worrying symptoms quickly and on demand. Adults are placing a premium on being able to book appointments at a convenient time and location, often opting for private clinics near their workplace so they can pop out during lunch breaks.

David Hare, the chief executive of IHPN, said: “This latest research from IHPN shows that going private for vital scans and tests is becoming increasingly normalised, with speedy access to appointments and the ability to receive results often within 48 hours a key attraction for patients looking for much-needed peace of mind and value for money.

“This is particularly the case for younger people, who are accustomed to high quality, convenient and personalised services in many other aspects of their lives, and hugely benefit from the increasing number of private diagnostics services available near their homes and workplaces.”

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Source: The Times, 14 April 2025