Michael Baum, professor emeritus of surgery at University College London, said the benefits accrued by picking up tumours early were wiped out by the long-term damage caused by radiotherapy.

Last October an independent review of the £100 million national breast screening programme concluded that it saved 1,300 lives a year, although for every life saved, three women had that did not benefit them.

But, writing a ‘personal view’ article in the British Medical Journal, Prof Baum disputed the figures.

He estimated that, while three to four breast cancer deaths were averted per 10,000 women invited for screening, between there were between three and nine deaths from long term toxicity caused by radiotherapy.

He also said the review’s analysis was flawed, as it did not take into account advances in breast cancer treatment that would make the relative impact of screening less powerful.

Prof Baum claimed the reviewers had chosen to “duck” the crucial question of whether, on average, breast screening lengthened life.

He concluded: “I crudely estimate that an additional one to three deaths might be expected from other causes for every breast cancer death avoided.”

In an accompanying article, Cliona Kirwan, of the Institute of Cancer at Manchester University, said the review “currently provides the best evidence on the benefits and harms of breast screening”.

She continued: “Given the limitations of the available evidence, the authors correctly conclude that breast screening is worthwhile.”

But she said: “As professionals, we need to help women weigh the benefits and harms of screening by providing them with up to date and transparent information, including information on the uncertainties.”

She also said the “unquantifiable effects of screening, including increased breast awareness, must be taken into account”.

A Department of Health spokesperson said:"The recent independent review into breast cancer screening showed that 1,300 lives are saved through breast screening every year in the UK and it clearly recommended that breast cancer screening should continue.

"Evidence shows that bowel and breast screening saves lives but we need to make sure that patients can make an informed decision about whether to attend their screening or not, by setting out clear information about its risks and benefits.”