Does wearing a tight bra cause breast cancer?

I usually choose the smallest bra size to hug my figure and flatter my bust. Does wearing a bra that is too tight increase the risk of breast cancer? (Phuong Lien, 24 years old, Ho Chi Minh City)

Reply:

Malignant breast tumors (breast cancer) are the result of abnormal growth of breast cells, invasion of neighboring organs and distant metastasis. Malignant breast tumors can occur in one or both breasts, more common in women than men.

Factors that increase the risk of breast cancer include gender (women are at higher risk than men), age (over 50), sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diet. People who are overweight or obese, have early puberty, late menopause, do not breastfeed, have BRCA1-2 gene mutations, and have a family history of breast cancer are also at risk.

Wearing a bra that is too tight and not cleaned properly can easily cause contact dermatitis, folliculitis, increased sweating, skin abrasions, and difficulty breathing. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove that bras limit lymphatic drainage from the chest, increasing the accumulation of toxins. The material of the bra, whether the bra is torn or intact, and the number of hours worn each day are not related to breast cancer.

The link between wearing a bra and breast cancer needs more research to be clear. Some people think that cosmetic surgery can lead to breast cancer.

Bras help limit breast movement, prevent sagging breasts, loss of firmness over time, and avoid damage due to collision. You want to wear a bra to support your bust, increase your appearance, but you should not use a bra that is too tight because it can easily damage your breasts, create pressure on the rib cage and diaphragm, causing difficulty breathing.

Women should change their shirts every day and wash them thoroughly to avoid contact dermatitis, folliculitis due to bra straps digging deep into the skin, increased sweating, and skin scratches...

If you notice any unusual changes in your breasts, you should go to a medical facility with a breast surgery department to determine the cause. Your doctor may order other necessary tests and provide appropriate treatment options.

MSc. Dr. Huynh Ba Tan
Department of Breast Surgery, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

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