I usually choose the smallest size bra to hug my figure and flatter my bust. Does wearing 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 mammary gland cells, invasion of nearby organs and distant metastasis. Malignant breast tumors can occur in one or both breasts and are 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 years old), sedentary lifestyle, drinking alcohol, and unhealthy eating. 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 groups.
Wearing a bra that is too tight and not kept clean can easily cause contact dermatitis, folliculitis, increased sweating, skin scratches, and difficulty breathing. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove that bras limit the drainage of lymph nodes from the chest, increasing the accumulation of toxins. Bra material, whether the bra is torn or intact, and the number of hours worn per day are also not related to breast cancer.
The association between wearing a bra and breast cancer needs more research to clarify. Some opinions that cosmetic surgery can lead to breast cancer are not accurate.
Bras help limit movement around the bust, avoid sagging and less firm breasts over time, and avoid damage caused by collisions. You want to wear a bra to support your bust and increase your appearance, but you should not use one that is too tight because it can easily injure your chest, putting pressure on your 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 the underwire digging into the skin, increased sweating, and skin scratches...
When you see unusual changes in your breasts, you should go to a medical facility with a Breast Surgery specialty to determine the cause. Your doctor may order other necessary tests and recommend appropriate treatment options.
MSc. Huynh Ba Tan
Department of Breast Surgery, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City
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