Breakfast TV show airs topless woman's breast cancer self-check demonstration

A breakfast TV show's decision to air footage of a topless woman checking her breasts for signs of cancer this morning has been praised by viewers on social media.

The Ten Network's live breakfast program Studio 10 featured Dr Sam Hay who brought in a volunteer, only identified as Mia, who showed female viewers how they can examine their breasts for tumours.

As the volunteer demonstrated the potentially life-saving technique the show's hosts Ita Buttrose, Sarah Harris and Jessica Rowe practiced from their seats on a nearby couch.

While showing extended footage of a woman's bare breasts on breakfast television could be considered risky the gamble appears to have paid off for the show.

One commenter said it was "the best TV segment" the show had ever put to air.

"Very informative segment and hats off to your wonderful model for having the courage and grace to demonstrate on TV, not many women could do that," Candice Henry wrote on Facebook.

"Congratulations on a very informative segment. Great choice of model. I sure that many of us self-checked during the segment too!" Anna Vozzo said.

Male viewers also lauded the segment.

Studio 10's executive producer Rob McKnight said: "I believe the people of Australia are mature enough to accept the fact that in order to do a breast exam, we need to show naked breasts."