DIY breast tests 'can be harmful'

Women who examine themselves for lumps in their breasts may be doing more harm than good, a new study claims.

They often panic unnecessarily about cancer and have intrusive tests and biopsies which can cause scarring, anxiety and depression, researchers say.

For years, women have been encouraged to check themselves for breast abnormalities.

But a World Health Organisation study of more than 100,000 women suggests that those who regularly examine their breasts almost always fail to detect real tumours and often raise false concerns. The study was led by Swedish specialist Prof Lars Holmberg, who will present his findings at the fourth European Breast Cancer Conference in Hamburg later this month.

Prof Holmberg claims self-examination does not work and women should not rely on it to find tumours.

Instead, those at risk of cancer, such as women over 50 or those with a family history of the disease, should be regularly screened, he said. 'My advice to women is to simply be aware of your body and any cancer-like symptoms and seek professional screening and advice,' he added.

Britain has one of the highest breast cancer death rates in the world, with more than 40,000 women diagnosed and 13,000 killed by the disease each year.

But Sangeeta Haindl, of Breast Cancer Campaign, said women should be reassured that self-examination is important.

'If they do spot a change they must go and seek professional advice,' she added. 'The important thing is not to panic.'