I've read that self-checks are pointless because finding them 'early' does not increase the overall chance of survival form cancer, but it does increase the chance of them having a biopsy on a benign lump.

I didn't see the show, but perhaps the Doctor should have explained what she meant by it. I've also heard that because most women don't know what they're looking for that encouraging them to self-check is pointless until you teach them what to look for.

The book where I read it is called Womens Bodies, Womens Wisdom by Dr Christiane Northrup, in case anyone is interested.

I've found a lump in my breast before and now there are two - I'm a bit like LimeSlice though, and the lumps are benign. The process for having them checked out was incredibly traumatic, and the core biopsy was extremely painful. I was left feeling like a butchered pin cushion, and the process was incredibly clinical. The bruising afterwards made my breast look like I'd been involved in a brutal sex attack - I'm not exaggerating. I certainly would think twice about having any other lumps checked in the future, but I've made that decision after informing myself of the risks and facts, and wouldn't tell anyone else to do that just because I do.

I think women should inform themselves about their bodies and their own health, regardless of what any doctor or marketing campaign tells us. Has anyone seen the most recent Rexona adverts? Apparently we're all sweating too much now as well and should all start wearing 'clinical grade' deodorant. Pfft.