Ex-husband sues Antarctica doctor

A doctor who treated herself for breast cancer while working at a research station in Antarctica is being sued by her former husband, who claims she defamed him in a book about her 1999 rescue.

The lawsuit seeks damages of up to $US5 million ($11.7 million) from Jerri Nielsen and Talk Miramax Books.

Jay Nielsen, a physician, said the book falsely claimed he emotionally abused her and physically abused their children. The complaint said the allegations led to "a significant number of patient cancellations in his medical practice".