Can Bras Cause Breast Cancer?

Wearing an ill fitting bra is believed to cause a number of health issues. These range from sore shoulders to a tired and aching back. The wrong size bra has also been associated with irritable bowl syndrome, damage to breast tissue, constipation, breathing issues, circulation problems and skin problems. While several of these can be very serious they are not generally considered life threatening. A recent study now indicates that wearing a bra, even a proper fitting bra can increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. It should be noted immediately that this study is disputed by several breast cancer organizations and bra manufacturers.

The study, conducted by scientist Soma Grismaijer and Sidney Ross Singer surveyed some 4,700 women. The result of the survey indicated that the odds of developing breasts cancer increased dramatically the longer the women in the study group wore bras. Of the women surveyed who had developed breast cancer is was found they had reported wearing a bra for a minimum of 12 hours per day.

Inside the body is a network of vessels it is believed are intended to flush toxins out of the body. When a woman wears a bra the lymphatic system below the armpits is constricted, blocking these vessels. Over time these toxins are believed to build up and create a situation which is conducive to the development of breast cancer.

In a separate study by researcher in Japan it was found that a tight fitting bra suppresses the nocturnal elevation of the hormone melatonin. This situation is believed by some doctors to raise the risk of breast cancer. A third study concluded that breast pain and other health complications wear reduced when women stopped wearing a bra. While the study found no direct link between a tight fitting bra and an increase risk of breast cancer it did report some very interesting findings. It was reported that in cultures in which women spent more time bra-less there was a lower rate of breast cancer. This lower rate could not be directly attributed to not wearing a bra.

While some of these studies are non-conclusive and others are widely dissputed, the fact multiple studies had the same findings is somewhat disturbing.