A new report addresses a long-standing myth about the health risks of wearing tight bras, especially underwire bras, and their alleged link to breast cancer. Despite advertisements portraying bras as stylish and attractive, many women experience discomfort, particularly with tight bras in hot weather. According to the Times of India, this belief gained popularity in the 1990s after Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismajier’s book Dressed to Kill claimed, without scientific proof, that bras could block lymphatic flow and trap toxins in breast tissue. The theory spread widely on social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Instagram reels.
Scientific Evidence Refutes the Claim
Medical experts confirm there is no scientific basis for linking bra tightness or style to breast cancer. Leading organisations such as the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute state that bra type, fit, or tightness does not cause cancer. In 2014, researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle studied 1,500 women to examine the claim. Their findings, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, revealed no connection between tight bras and breast cancer. Experts emphasise that cancer risk factors are unrelated to clothing choices like bras.
Health Effects of Wearing Tight Bras
While research confirms tight bras do not cause breast cancer, they may lead to other health problems. Wearing bras that leave red marks, cause shoulder indentations, or create discomfort from elastic pressure can strain the body. This may result in back pain, poor posture, and restricted blood circulation. Experts recommend that women listen to their bodies, choose bras that fit well, and prioritise comfort. Proper support helps avoid these non-cancer-related health issues while ensuring daily wear remains comfortable and safe.
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Swastika Sruti is a Senior Sub Editor at NewsX Digital with 5 years of experience shaping stories that matter. She loves tracking politics- national and global trends, and never misses a chance to dig deeper into policies and developments. Passionate about what’s happening around us, she brings sharp insight and clarity to every piece she works on. When not curating news, she’s busy exploring what’s next in the world of public interest. You can reach her at [swastika.newsx@gmail.com]
