Wearing a bra smaller than your actual size not only causes discomfort due to tightness… but also increases the risk of breast cancer! This is a belief we often hear. In reality, does wearing the wrong bra size, including wearing a bra while sleeping, really cause breast cancer.. or is it just a misconception? Here is the answer to these doubts!!!
The Origin of the Relationship “Bra.. is the Cause of Breast Cancer”
“Dressed to Kill” is a book that published research on the relationship between wearing bras and breast cancer by two researchers, Sydney Singer and Soma Grismaijer, who concluded that… wearing a bra continuously for more than 12 hours a day increases the risk of breast cancer!!
Why? Wearing a Bra for a Long Time (May) Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer
Wearing a tight bra for a long time affects the lymphatic circulation. Instead of toxins or waste in the lymph nodes being expelled, they accumulate due to the tight pressure from the bra, especially underwire bras! This may cause chronic inflammation… which is a cause leading to an increased risk of breast cancer in the future! This is the reason behind the belief that.. “wearing a bra for a long time,” “wearing a bra that is too small,” or “wearing a bra while sleeping” may contribute to breast cancer.
Debunking All Beliefs!! About Bras… and Breast Cancer
Although the two researchers published negative associations between bras and breast cancer, many others have opposed this, and there is still “no research” that confirms this claim… as “truth.” This means that the relationship between wearing bras and breast cancer… has no definitive scientific evidence.
These Factors! Are the Causes Leading to “Breast Cancer”
- Genetics Statistics show that if a direct family member has breast cancer, the risk increases by up to 2 times!
- Early Menstruation before age 12 and menopause after age 50
- Age at First Childbirth, number of children, breastfeeding
- Use of Hormonal Contraceptives and long-term hormone therapy for menopausal women
- Body Mass Index (BMI) because obesity and high blood fat increase the risk of breast cancer
- Diet, lifestyle, and environment
- Exercise Statistics show that exercise can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 10-50%
Although there are many factors that increase the risk of breast cancer, these are only “statistics”!! There is no confirmation of the exact cause of breast cancer. Therefore, focusing on screening is the way to detect the disease early… and increase the chances of treatment!!