Is it true that underwire bras can increase the risk of breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that ranks first in most cancer cases in Indonesia. There is a lot of news circulating in the community regarding this disease, one of which is the notion that using an underwire bra can trigger breast cancer. Is this information valid?

Underwire Bra Triggers Breast Cancer, Myth or Fact?

Not only being able to support the breasts, bras are also able to make women’s posture more proportional.

One of the most popular bras among women is the underwire bra. For information, underwire bras are different from types of bras without wires which tend to be comfortable to wear while sleeping or doing sports.

The underwire bra itself was actually created for women with breasts that tend to be large in size. The presence of wire in this bra will make it able to support larger and heavier breasts.

However, Reportedly the use of underwire bras can trigger breast cancer. According to the article contained in Scientific Americaninformation regarding wire bras that trigger breast cancer originates from a book published in the mid-90s.

In the book, there is discussion that women who use underwire bras have a higher risk of breast cancer than those who don’t.

This assumption is not without reason, the authors assume that the wire in the bra can inhibit the flow of lymph fluid in the breast. In the end, this condition will cause a buildup of toxins in the area.

Nevertheless, Laura Hutchins, a medical oncologist University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) denied this. According to him, there is not enough evidence to explain the idea.

Several other experts also agree that the type of bra and size of bra used has no relationship with an increased risk of breast cancer at all.

So, the notion that the use of underwire bras can trigger breast cancer is just a myth.

Also Read: 8 Characteristics of Breast Cancer that are Important for You to Recognize

Trigger Factors for Breast Cancer to Watch Out for

The cause of breast cancer is not a wire bra or any other type of bra. The reason is, there are many factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing this type of cancer.

According to research, the risk of breast cancer can increase due to a combination of several things. However, in general, several risk factors for breast cancer, including:

1. Age

The risk of developing breast cancer will increase with age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women who are 50 years of age or older are more at risk for this cancer.

2. Genetic Mutation

One of the triggers for breast cancer is a genetic mutation. This can be influenced by family history.

Women who inherit mutational changes in certain genes, for example BRCA1 and BRCA2 are more at risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

3. Reproductive Problems

Someone who has reproductive problems is also more at risk of developing this type of cancer, for example starting menstruation before the age of 12 and menopause after the age of 55.

4. Have a Family History

A person is more susceptible to breast cancer if they have families with similar conditions or families with ovarian cancer.

Also Read: 12 ways to prevent breast cancer that women need to know

5. Have Dense Breasts

Dense breasts store more connective tissue than fat tissue in it. This condition causes women with dense breasts to be more at risk of developing breast cancer.

6. Undergoing Radiation Therapy

One of the risk factors for breast cancer is having had radiation therapy to the chest or breasts, for example to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Therapy performed before the age of 30 can increase the risk of this cancer.

7. Have a History of Breast Cancer or Breast Disease

If you have had breast cancer, your risk of getting this cancer again increases.

In addition, some other non-cancerous breast diseases, such as lobular carcinoma in situ or atypical hyperplasia, can increase your risk of breast cancer.

8. Unhealthy Lifestyle

Some bad habits can increase the risk of breast cancer, such as alcohol consumption and smoking.

In the end, even if the wire bra is not causes this disease, its use can cause excessive pressure on the sternum, especially if the size is too tight.

This condition will interfere with breathing and cause disturbing pain. Therefore, choose a bra that fits and is comfortable to use.

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