Welcome to Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024!
Breast cancer is probably something you, the reader, are more aware of than ever. Current statistics show that over 250,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer annually. That is a staggering statistic that spawns numerous responses, concerns and speculations of reasons, but as we approach the "pink month" of October here in 2024, I want to specifically address the pervasive propaganda that promotes the use of bras and dismisses the connection that this fashion statement can aid in the development of breast diseases from chronic fibrocystic breast disease to cancer itself.
In their book, Dressed to Kill-The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras, married authors, Singer and Grismaijer, tackle the question of breast cancer being “a cultragenic disease brought on by the static habit of bra wearing in conjunction with toxins found in foods, air and water.” Although the American Cancer Society claims that the study done by Singer and Grismaijer is false information (and what they say must be true, right?), it is ironic that the many studies done regarding chronic clothing constriction dating back as far as the 1930's are otherwise telling.
Specifically of note, in 1931, Dr. William J. Mayo (one of the original founders of the Mayo Clinic) reasoned in an article called Susceptibility to Cancer that "Cancer of the breast occurs largely among civilized women. In those countries where breasts are allowed to be exposed, that is, are not compressed or irritated by clothing, it is rare". This is just one of many studies and articles written over the years that suggests that bra wearing is associated with disease and cancer.
For most women in the US though, it was a rite of passage at a young age to be given a first “training bra”. This early life mindset training sets the pace for a lifetime of bra wearing that is perfectly acceptable in our culture today. The idea of "going bra-less" is akin to being told to go shirt-less to some women – it’s unthinkable. For many the bra is security, empowerment and a way to ensure that an outfit looks perfect by the shaping of the breasts with push out and push up support. While it may be out of the question to consider going completely bra-less in public, it would be worth considering how to put the brakes on the overuse of the constrictive “breast harness” to mitigate the development of breast disease by considering the following:
First and foremost, it is imperative to acknowledge what factual information we do have today that supports the need for a reduction in bra wearing. It is a well-known fact that toxins in our food, air and water contribute to the development of breast diseases and cancers. But of note are the glaring results brought to light in the book by Singer and Grismaijer. The most telling outcome of their study by the majority of women polled that had breast cancer, was that they typically wore their bras for 12 or more hours every day. Most of us do not spend 12 hours a day in public, so this is an eye-opening finding to consider that some thought must be given to taking the bra off once in the comfort of our own homes and preferably in less than a 12-hour period.
Secondly, changing your mindset on how and where your bra is worn can make a huge difference in creating new habits that are healthier for your breasts. Aside from cutting down on the number of hours that a bra is worn, the study concluded that personal reasons for wearing one should also be considered. Is your bra use for appearance, comfort or security? If it is for comfort, is the corset-style design of your bra meeting that reason or is it really constricting, irritating, compressing, pinching and poking? Doing so, means that you are forcing your breasts to conform to a perceived outcome of appearance, and not comfort. For many, a bra with underwire can be the most uncomfortable sacrifice we make for appearance’s sake at the cost of the health of our breasts. It is important to consider that "there is nothing wrong with the intended design of the female breast that requires twentieth-century lingerie to correct". A thought to ponder for a changed mindset for sure.
Once we wrap our heads around the design of the fashion we have been so used to for so long, there are some actual changes we can make that will help to put the brakes on how and how often we wear our bras. Consider the following regarding your own lifestyle. What changes can you make that will make a difference in your breast health moving forward?