Self-checks for breast cancer ‘ineffective’

WOMEN should no longer systematically check their breasts for lumps to detect breast cancer, according to the Irish Cancer Society.

The organisation says women who check for lumps on a monthly basis are in danger of being lulled into a false sense of security that could see delayed detection of cancers.

The charity points to international research that has shown self-examination is not effective in improving cancer detection as many women do not know how to examine themselves properly.