Paternal health 'disregarded in breast cancer cases'

Women at risk of breast cancer miss out on tests and early diagnosis because their father's family's health history is disregarded, a study has suggested.

Canadian researchers say in Lancet Oncology that women were more likely to report a history of the disease on their mother's side.

They found women with a maternal cancer history were five times more likely to be referred by family doctors.

MRI scans can lead to 'unnecessary breast surgery' for cancer patients

Women with breast cancer could be undergoing unnecessary surgery after having MRI scans, an expert warned today.

Research has revealed that magnetic resonance imaging is too sensitive and picks up harmless growths in patients who are at an early stage of the disease.MRI scans use strong magnetic fields and radio waves produce a detailed image of the inside of the breast. Unlike X-rays, they do not expose the patient to radiation.

But one study of breast cancer patients being considered for non-surgical treatment found a six per cent increase in mastectomies - or removals of the breast - in those who had a magnetic resonance mammography.