'Moreover, women with breast cancer should not worry that their character might have contributed to the development of their disease.' Ms Bleiker noted that some researchers in the 1980s had advanced the idea of a 'cancer-prone' personality with such traits as stoicism and difficulty in expressing emotions.

'The earlier studies had a number of methodological flaws,' Ms Bleiker said, adding that more recent, large studies have not found the existence of a 'cancer-prone' personality.

'In summary, there is currently no convincing evidence that such a personality profile exists,' Ms Bleiker said.

In 1996, the Dutch team studied the same group of women for five years and found that one of the 11 personality traits - what they called 'anti-emotionality' - actually was associated with a slight increased risk for breast cancer.

But after tracking the women for a longer time in the new study, this association vanished. This suggests it may have been only a chance finding, Ms Bleiker said.

Women with the 'anti-emotionality' trait responded negatively to survey questions such as: 'In important situations, I trust my feelings,' "I respond emotionally to people,' and 'My behaviour is influenced by my emotions.'

The findings were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Kevin Stein, a researcher at the American Cancer Society who was not involved in the Dutch study, said it is inappropriate and factually incorrect to blame a woman's personality for her breast cancer.

'I am pleased to see this stuff knocked down,' Mr Stein said in a telephone interview. 'There's really no support for the idea that your personality or your attitude can either cause a cancer or prevent or help avoid a cancer.'

Cancer experts often work to shoot down various cancer myths. Among other misconceptions about cancer, the American Cancer Society debunks the idea that using underarm deodorants or antiperspirants can increase breast cancer risk, or that wearing under-wire bras raises the risk for breast cancer. -- REUTERS