Bras And Breast Cancer

If you weren’t part of the bra-burning of the 1960’s, do you think it’s about time you rekindle the act right now? The theory that bras and breast cancer have a strong link is believed to be a closed case.

The issue about bra being cancer-causing started when a husband-and-wife team started gathering evidence to support their theory. But even if a lot of people are sold to the idea that bras and breast cancer are a likely pair, some people continue to be skeptic about it.

Everyone seems to be focused on complex science, pointing all the blame on chemical toxins, diet, lifestyle, age and genes as the main causes of breast cancer. But up to date, more than half of the total number of breast cancer cases have causes that remain “unaccounted” for. Are we looking too far out ahead? Maybe we all know the answers but we’re simply ignoring the facts.

Currently, there has been no scientific evidence gathered that associates bras and breast cancer. However, researches and studies conducted by individuals and organizations pointed out that women diagnosed with breast cancer were those who had strong histories of wearing bra longer than women who haven’t been diagnosed with the disease. Moreover, women who have developed breast cancer wore bras for more than 12 hours everyday, with 18% of them wearing their bras to sleep.

Various studies claim that there is indeed a strong link between bras and breast cancer, and that it is even three times more significant than that of lung cancer and cigarette smoking.

Studies further revealed that a 125-fold rise in the total cases of breast cancer was found between bra-less women and those who were wearing bras for the entire day. Women who wear bras for more than 12 hours everyday suggested a 113-fold rise in the occurrence of the disease.

Bras provide support to the breasts. To do this, they have to be snug. Thus, it is a given fact that the breasts receive pressure from the bras. The lymphatic system within the breasts are made up of small, thin vessels which work to remove cell debris, toxins, bacteria, virus, and cancer cells. Since all of these products are drained through the lymphatic system from the breast tissue, it is advisable that this pathway is clear most of the time, if not at all times. The theory that the wearing of bras and breast cancer are distinctly related stemmed from the belief that the lymphatic system is recipient to unnecessary pressure from bra-wearing, hindering it from carrying out its tasks.

The theory surrounding breast cancer and bras seem to be centered on the effect of breast support to the lymphatic system. Since wearing bra subjects the lymphatics to varying pressures, this is said to restrict the normal flow of fluids. Eventually, fluid accumulation, breast swelling, and cyst formation happen. Because toxins need to be flushed out to decrease these symptoms, an unblocked lymphatic system is necessary as well.

Much controversy is also focused on the wearing of tight or ill-fitting bras. Some research even went as far as to point out that underwire bras cause breast cancer. But then again, all of these are brushed aside by critics as mere speculations.

And if that’s not a lot to think about, there are studies that revealed that bras actually creates weak, droopy breasts, contrary to popular belief. Because the breasts tend to rely on bras for support, it loses its natural ability to support itself.

Going completely bra-less may be a huge lifestyle change for most women. But with the health issues associated with bra use creating waves in society and in the medical world these days, maybe it’s about time to keep those breasts free sometimes.