The decision to wear or not wear a bra is a personal choice. Some people may choose to wear a bra for reasons such as support, comfort, or aesthetic preferences, while others may opt not to for personal comfort or to promote body positivity. However, besides societal expectations and cultural norms, misconceptions can also influence personal choices regarding bra-wearing. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Rucha Kaushik, Consultant-Breast Cancer Surgeon, PD Hinduja Hospital, busts some popular myths about bras.
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Myths Around Bras Debunked
Myth 1: Sleeping in bra increases risk of breast cancer
Going to bed in a bra doesn’t increase the risk of breast cancer, says Dr Kaushik. A study published in the American Association for Cancer Research found no evidence that any aspect of bra wearing is associated with risk of either breast cancer.
Myth 2: Wearing a bra prevents sagging breasts
No scientific evidence supports the claim that wearing a bra prevents sagging of breasts. Breast sagging is a natural process influenced by factors like age, genetics, and overall breast tissue elasticity. However, Dr Kaushik says, “Not wearing a bra can cause the breasts to sag due to the elastic tissues. Therefore, one must wear a bra to give complete and proper support to the breasts.”
Myth 3: Underwire bras increase the risk of breast cancer
There is no proven research linking underwire bras to an increased risk of breast cancer. There have been claims that underwire bras impede lymphatic drainage and cause toxin buildup, however, no medical evidence has supported it, as per the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Myth 4: Wearing black bras causes cancer
According to Dr Kaushik, “Black bras do not cause or increase risk of cancer. One can choose any colour bra without hesitation.”
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Understanding Breast Cancer Risk
Breast cancer is a complex disease influenced by a variety of factors. It is one of the most common cancers among women, accounting for 6.8 lakh deaths globally in 2020. The World Health Organization (WHO) says roughly half of all breast cancers occur in women with no specific risk factors other than sex and age. The colour or type of bra worn has not been identified as a risk factor for breast cancer.
Dr Kaushik shares a few risk factors, which include:
- Being a female, though males can also get breast cancer
- Increasing age; most common age group being above 50 years but young women need to be aware about any recent onset of a painless lump
- Unsupervised hormone therapy
- Obesity
- Smoking and alcohol intake
- Conclusion
It is important to focus on established breast cancer risk factors and to conduct regular breast self-examinations, get clinical breast exams, and mammograms. These are important tools for early detection and screening for breast cancer. If you have concerns about breast health or breast cancer, it's always recommended to consult with a doctor.
