Kylie's breast cancer triggered a surge of over 30 percent in breast imaging of low-...(ages and the confidence of women and the...),Health

Dr Kelaher said the publicity could have raised doctors' perception about breast cancer risk and increased concerns, both medical and legal, about missed diagnoses in younger women.

The researchers also suggest that the influx of low-risk women into the screening system may have damaging effects by reducing the system's capacity to deal with higher risk women.

Dr Kelaher said Kylie Minogue had been a great ambassador for breast cancer awareness, but the publicity surrounding her case highlighted the need for better efforts at "managing the message."

"The visibility of a celebrity's illness provides an opportunity to address a huge health problem like breast cancer," she said.

"But when that celebrity is from a low risk group, it also has the potential to undercut the appropriateness and cost effectiveness of health service delivery.

"Consultation between a celebrity's PR team and public health agencies on how to shape and disseminate the information could help create a message with the best chances of furthering the quality of care and sound public health practice."

Dr Julie Miller, consultant surgeon at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and senior lecturer in the Department of Surgery at the University of Melbourne, is a co-author of the study.

"It's important that women are breast-aware, and consult their doctor if they are concerned about any changes in their breasts,'' Dr Miller said.

"However there is no role for routine screening of women under 40 who do not have symptoms or a strong family history.

"This study shows that all the extra worry and expense was unwarranted and that the current recommendations for breast cancer screening are appropriate."

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