There is a rumor that wearing a padded bra, the popularity of which has increased in the last several years, leads to breast cancer. It is believed that the built of the padded bra which is much different from the bras that have been in market earlier can enhance the risk of getting cancer.
"Since the publication of an article in the mid-90s, associating wearing of tight bra and increased risk of getting breast cancer, many myths have prevailed regarding the use of bras and breast cancer risk," says Dr Anagha Zope, Senior Consultant and Program Lead, Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, Apollo CBCC Cancer Care.
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Quashing the rumors, Dr Zope says neither the type of the bra (including its material, colour, padding, under-wiring) nor the tightness of the undergarments has any relation with the risk of getting breast cancer and adds that breast cancer is a disease with multifactorial etiology, and is characterized by a molecular or genetic change in the breast cells leading to cancer formation.
"An underwired bra will not give you breast cancer"
Dr. Tanaya who shares informative posts on social media through her Instagram account dr_cuterus, says, "wearing a bra at night or underwired bras are not associated with breast cancer. They are perfectly fine and healthy to wear if you like wearing a bra. Otherwise you don't have to wear them-Whatever!"
However, this can bother you...
Poking wires can bother you and can be extremely painful. Many times the wires of the underwired bras come out the casing and this should not be ignored and the bra should be changed.
Apart from this, wearing an ill fitting bra can cause pain, compression and numbness.
“Pressure and discomfort from an ill-fitting bra are possible, but there is no evidence to suggest that they are connected to any health problems. Since people's choice of clothing does not affect their health or well-being, people should feel free to express themselves through their wardrobe choices,” says Dr Sandip Bipte, Consultant, Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai.
So while it is advisable to wear any type of bra as per suitability, special care should be given to the size and fit instead of myths.
Women should pay attention to THESE factors instead…
Urging women to not pay attention to myths around breast cancer, Dr Bipte shares that, “neither the type of bra worn nor the tightness of undergarments has any connection to the risk of breast cancer. Bras are an integral part of each woman's attire. Even though bras are used by many women every day, many myths exist about them.”
The doctor stresses on an important and critical risk factor of breast cancer which is highly prevalent in women. He says, “wearing a padded bra will not increase your risk of developing breast cancer. There is no connection between breast cancer and the type of wearing a bra. However, being overweight raises the risk of breast cancer, and overweight women are more likely to have bigger breasts and use a plus-size bra.”
Women are prone to being overweight and this is a driving force for many life threatening diseases. Proper food habits, clean diet, seasonal foods and lots of physical activities can ensure proper health in women.
