From the Guidelines
There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that wearing bras is directly linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
Key Factors
- The provided evidence does not mention bras as a risk factor for breast cancer [ 1 ].
- However, as a precautionary measure, it is recommended to wear a well-fitting bra and avoid wearing tight or constrictive bras for extended periods.
- Women should also be aware of their breast health and perform regular self-examinations, and consult their healthcare provider if they have any concerns.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help reduce the overall risk of breast cancer [ 1 ].
- Limiting the use of hormone replacement therapy, avoiding obesity, staying physically active, and breastfeeding can also reduce the risk of breast cancer [ 1 ].
- It is also important to follow the recommended screening guidelines for breast cancer, which include annual mammograms for women over 40 years old.
From the Research
Bra Wearing and Breast Cancer Risk
- A study published in 2014 found no association between bra wearing and breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women 2.
- The study collected data from 454 invasive ductal carcinoma cases, 590 invasive lobular carcinoma cases, and 469 control women, and found no link between bra wearing habits and breast cancer risk.
- Another study published in 1991 suggested a possible link between bra cup size and breast cancer risk, but the association was only found among postmenopausal women and was accounted for by obesity 3.
Diet and Breast Cancer Risk
- A review of epidemiological studies published in 2014 found that diet represents 30-35% of risk factors that contribute to the onset of cancer, but the associations between specific foods and cancer risk remain unclear 4.
- A study published in 2019 found that dietary quality, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index score, was associated with a decrease in cancer-specific mortality and overall mortality in breast cancer survivors 5.
- Another study published in 2014 found that moderate physical activity after breast cancer diagnosis contributed to a 40% reduction in recurrence and disease-specific mortality, highlighting the importance of lifestyle factors in breast cancer outcomes 4.
Limitations of Current Evidence
- The current evidence on the link between bra wearing and breast cancer risk is limited, with only a few studies addressing this issue 2, 3.
- The evidence on the relationship between diet and breast cancer risk is also limited, with conflicting results and a need for further research to clarify the associations between specific foods and cancer risk 6, 4, 5.