How can bras cause cancer

Night shifts. Claims that deodorants or antiperspirants increase your risk of breast cancer have been around for several years. There have been some concerns that the wires in the cup of underwire bras may restrict the flow of lymph fluid in the breast causing toxins to build up in the area.

If your bra is too tight or too small, the wires can dig into your breasts and cause discomfort, pain or swelling. Find out more about wearing a well-fitting bra. An injury, such as falling or being hit in the chest, will not cause breast cancer. Squeezing or pinching the breast or nipple will not cause breast cancer either.

Sometimes an injury can lead to a benign not cancer lump known as fat necrosis. This is scar tissue that can form when the body naturally repairs the damaged fatty breast tissue. Stress can be linked to a rise in other lifestyle behaviours, such as being less active or drinking alcohol, which could increase your risk of breast cancer. Nipple piercings have become a popular trend. However, the area pierced is at risk of infection, at the time of the piercing and as long as you wear the jewellery, possibly even longer.

Some people worry that radio waves produced and received by mobile phones may be a health risk, especially if they keep their phone in their breast pocket. Current evidence suggests women who have received IVF treatment are no more likely to develop breast cancer than women who have not had IVF. However, IVF is a relatively new procedure and more research is needed to be sure of all the long-term health effects.

The same applies for wearing a bra which is too tight. This version of the bra myth has equally been excused as implausible by leading cancer organizations, scientists and breast surgeons alike. Though no link has been proven between wearing a bra and your risk of breast cancer, it does make sense to ensure that the bra you are wearing is comfortable. Breast pain and tenderness can often be associated with poorly fitting bras so if you are experiencing this it may be worth arranging a professional bra fitting.

Maurer Foundation. Create your free account or Sign in to continue. See Subscription Options. Go Paperless with Digital. Recent Articles by S. Kramer Fact or Fiction? Get smart. Sign up for our email newsletter. Sign Up. Support science journalism. Knowledge awaits. Women who don't wear bras are more likely to be at a healthy weight.

This difference in weight is probably why this myth continues to circulate. Download the PDF of the booklet to learn 31 risk-reducing steps you can take today. Create a profile for better recommendations. Breast implant illness BII is a term that some women and doctors use to refer to a wide range Sign up for emails about breast cancer news, virtual events, and more.