Scientific evidence to suggest that wearing a correctly fitting bra during the day has any negative effects on health has not been acknowledged[1]. However, a bra that does not fit properly can cause pain in the neck and chest muscles, and excessively tight shoulder straps may affect the shoulders[1].
Some claims suggest that wearing a bra may increase the risk of breast cancer, but these claims are not supported by peer-reviewed scientific evidence. For example, the US National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, and the US National Institute of Health have not acknowledged the data presented in the book “Dressed to Kill” by Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer[2]. Furthermore, the American Cancer Society states that there is no evidence that compression of the lymph nodes by bras causes breast cancer[4].
On the other hand, going braless or wearing the wrong size of bra may be a barrier to exercise for some, which can lead to a range of health issues due to a lack of exercise[1]. It is essential to wear a correctly fitting bra to avoid any potential health problems.
A population-based case-control study of postmenopausal women found no evidence that any aspect of bra wearing is associated with the risk of breast cancer[6]. Furthermore, a 2014 study of more than 1,500 women found no association between wearing a bra and breast cancer risk[7].
In summary, the best scientific evidence for bras increasing cancer risk is found in the book “Dressed to Kill,” but this data has not been acknowledged by major cancer institutions. Other studies have found no association between bra wearing and breast cancer risk.
Citations:
[1] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/are-bras-bad-for-you
[2] https://www.mhe.ltd/why-wearing-a-bra-may-cause-more-harm-than-good/
[3] https://www.realsimple.com/health/preventative-health/breast-health/what-happens-when-you-stop-wearing-bra
[4] https://www.center4research.org/can-wearing-bra-cause-breast-cancer/
[5] https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/antiperspirants-bras
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4184992/
[7] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention/disproven-or-controversial-breast-cancer-risk-factors.html
