Breast Cancer Has Nothing to Do with Wearing a Bra, Study Shows

WEBWIRE – Tuesday, September 16, 2014

After years of suspicions, a large study conducted on 1,500 women by the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention finally shows that wearing a bra does not increase the risk of breast cancer.

Because a larger number of breast cancers are identified in Western countries (such as USA) compared to those in the developing world (countries in Africa for instance), it was rumored that wearing bra may be responsible for the development of the disease. But in a new study, the American researcher Lu Chen proves that rumor is not scientifically valid.

In her study, Lu Chen gathered 1,044 postmenopausal women with breast cancer and 469 women without cancer. All were from the state of Washington. Their habits regarding the wearing of bras have been closely analyzed: cup size, hats, age of onset, number of hours and days they wore their bras.

Result: no link has been found between wearing a bra and a higher risk of breast cancer. Only women with a small statue (BMI inferior to 25kg / m 2) had a somehow slightly higher risk, but insignificant.

The researchers advise women to choose and opt for a correct size bra that makes them feel comfortable; and avoid wearing a bra too small or too tight that compresses the chest. This is just common sense advice for general health which has nothing to do with breast cancer.

Reference: Cancer Epidemiology, biomarkers & Prevention