A CONTROVERSIAL report dismissing breast cancer screening as a waste of time has been dismissed by local experts.

Two Danish researchers have cast doubt over whether mammography screening saves lives, and their claims have been published in The Lancet medical journal.

But local medical experts have dismissed their findings.

Airedale Hospital consultant surgeon Mr Ali Nejim said he did not agree with their claim.

"It's a major statement and quite a bold one to make, but they were using figures which are from the past," he said.

And Ian Hutchinson, consultant surgeon and chairman of the Airedale Cancer Support Group, added: "I would take issue with the report and hope that it will not discourage local women from taking advantage of the breast screening available to them.

"It would be a retrograde step if women did not take advantage of the breast screening programme."

This message was echoed by retired consultant surgeon Archie McAdam who helped to launch Airedale's breast screening programme.

"I am sceptical about these claims," he said. "The work in Britain and around the world shows that, as a result of screening, women have benefited. I would urge women in the area to continue to attend breast screening."

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