I have thought about this article for a few weeks. Experimented with the idea of going braless, buying a few garments to make that possible, camisoles, tight t-shirts to wear as under shirts, bralettes, etc. I also talked to one large breasted friend to see what she thought about going braless. She told me she can not stand to go without a bra, wearing one even to sleep at night.
After an illness resulted in a natural detox effect, lost weight in my breasts, and felt a lot better about having lighter breasts. Consequently, I think the solution is to find more comfortable under garments to wear much of the time, maybe go braless about half of the day, give the breasts a chance to “rest” in a comfortable bra the other half of the day, eat healthier, consume less processed foods, loose weight, tone up, and try to stay positive and happy.
When you “… a high risk of cancer”, compared to what? How high? I understand how they can be uncomfortable but what is it about bras in particular that makes them dangerous?
As a recently retired surgeon who has treated breasts for 46 years, first as a general surgeon then as a plastic surgeon, I am amazed that this type of gross medical misinformation- that bras increase the risk of breast cancer- is still being promoted by supposed medical professionals. I can speak from personal experience both treating breast cancer and performing reconstruction, and extensive ongoing education on breast physiology. The issue, including interrupted lymphatic flow from the breasts due to bras, has been thoroughly debunked but continues to rise like a phoenix from the ashpile of pseudoscience. If this is true, men who wear tight belts should have a greater risk of testicular and anal cancer! https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/one-more-time-no-wearing-a-bra-does-not-cause-breast-cancer/ Wear a bra. Don't wear a bra. It is a fashion choice, not a medical one. And, yes, your breasts will sag more over the years, especially if you are large breasted, and go bra-less a lot. I think many women would accept a miniscule (unproven) added risk of breast cancer for the benefits that a bra provides. I do not advocate censorship or cancellation but you should be careful as articles like this will discredit your site as a source of reliable information. R. Bosshardt, MD, FACS
“ If this is true, men who wear tight belts should have a greater risk of testicular and anal cancer!” Actually, you raise a good point. Belts do impact lymphatic drainage from the pelvis, but unfortunately this issue of tight clothing affecting lymphatics is still ignored. However, the incidence of tumors is greater in the distal colon and rectum, which is below the belt line, than in the proximal colon, which is above the belt line. However, belts and bras are not equally tight, are not worn the same amount of time daily, and the breasts are easily compressed onto the chest wall by the bra. So the bra is in more direct contact with the breast lymphatics than the belt is with pelvic lymphatics. Clearly, all tight garments are a problem for circulation, particularly lymphatic circulation. I suggest you check out the study, Lymph Stasis Promotes Tumor Growth, in the Journal of Dermatological Science. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092318111830104X#
"The issue, including interrupted lymphatic flow from the breasts due to bras, has been thoroughly debunked but continues to rise like a phoenix from the ashpile of pseudoscience.” Can you please show how this issue has been debunked. There are numerous studies showing a link. Other than opinion coming from the cancer industry, can you please provide evidence that this issue has been “thoroughly debunked”? I assume that means there are many studies refuting the link. I know of only one, a 2014 Fred Hutchinson study that was a biased study that did not include any bra-free women, so there was no control group, and only included post-menopausal women, creating a survivor bias. Do you know of other studies that refute the bra-cancer link? And do you know about the studies which do show a link?
I believe it is important for doctors who make absolute statements denying the bra-cancer link, as you have, to support their statements with facts. I have supported my statements with references to studies. Please help me understand your position better and why you believe this issue has no merit and is “pseudoscience”. Thank you.
You claim that bra usage is not a medical issue, but you also claim that bras provide benefits, which means they have physiological impacts, making them a medical issue. For example, tight bras have been used to stop lactation, showing a clear impact on breast function. You also state that they prevent breasts from drooping. "And, yes, your breasts will sag more over the years, especially if you are large breasted, and go bra-less a lot.” Can you please provide scientific evidence that bras prevent drooping? From my knowledge and experience with this issue for over 30 years as a medical anthropologist, bras actually cause droop, by creating dependence on external support which results in the atrophy and weakening of the natural suspensory ligaments inside the breasts. Even bra makers state that bras do not prevent droop. If you know of any studies showing otherwise, please let me know. I also know that large-breasted women who wear bras develop deep grooves in their shoulders which causes nerve impingement and associated problems. Actually, I don’t know of any benefit of bra usage, and tight bras do interfere with lymphatics. Any evidence you have that shows any benefits of bras would be very helpful. The way I see it, the human female breast was not designed by nature to need 20th Century lingerie for “support”. And from my experience with women from cultures where they don’t wear bras, there are women of all breast sizes who have healthy, bra-free breasts. So I wonder where you get your data showing bras are a necessity and benefit for the breasts. Thanks.
Hi Richard. This is Sydney Ross Singer, author of this article. I suggest you actually read the references. There are many studies which show a bra-cancer link. For your edification, here is another article explaining the biomechanics of the bra-cancer link. See, The Biomechanics of Bras and Lymphatics and the Link to Breast Cancer
A lot of guys wear clothing that hugs the biceps and accentuates the muscle volume and tone--and people notice it. Tee shirts, business suits. Ever hear people complain, particularly women? You're looking at nature the way it was designed to be seen.
Who has heard a man bemoan the fact that women sometimes wear clothing which does not suppress and obscure their femininity? Quite the opposite; society is a happier place when proud women show up.
My mother had breast cancer in both breasts, 5 years apart starting when she was in her early 50s. I was in my early 20s at the time and have felt as if there has been a sword of Damocles hanging over my head for a very long time. Over the years I would submit reluctantly to annual mammograms subjecting my “girls” to radiation and pretty extreme pressure. It always felt like “well we didn’t find anything this year, but we’ll just keep looking until we do!” as they would blather on about genetics and so on. At one point I realized that in terms of emotional make up, I was NOT my mother. She had lacked some very basic nurturing during a childhood where she experienced some pretty dramatic losses and recurring abandonment. Although I was somewhat neglected by busy parents who did not meet some of my developmental needs, I started to understand that my mom’s severe lack of nurturing may have been the catalyst for her cancer. This helped me relax a bit about my concerns.
Last January, I went for my annual torture test. The technician decided to do a second image of my left breast. The report showed some calcium deposits there and my doctor dutifully arranged for yet another mammogram and a CT scan as well. Not coincidentally, I had just finished a book by Christiane Northrop, called “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom” in which she discusses thermographic imaging for breasts. I recall she referred to a book called “Dressed to Kill” about the potential issues with wearing a bra which I have since read.
I decided that I was never going to subject my breasts to another mammogram. I made an appointment with a thermography clinic. This is a non intrusive, completely hands off assessment of how much inflammation (measured in temperature readings using a specialized camera) is present in the breast tissue. While the scan showed that my left breast was at the top end of the acceptable range, they were both considered to be in the north range and I was advised to retest in 9-12 months, which I am doing. (My doctor, though doubting, told me she would support me in my decision, for which I am appreciative. She did not know anything about thermography so I referred her to Northrup’s book. She mentioned, after doing a quick Google search, that the FDA has not given thermography its “blessing” but quite frankly, after going through the Covid fiasco and the FDA’s role in the B.S. we were subjected to, I personally do not give a flying fuck about what the FDA has to say about anything.)
While I was with the thermography technician, she talked to me about what I could do to help improve my breast health. Her recommendations, all of which I implemented immediately, were:
- stop alcohol use (no problem as I had quit drinking 5 years ago);
- daily use of a blend of pure aloe with a couple of drops each of frankincense and myrrh essential oils applied all around both breasts and armpit lymph node areas to reduce inflammation;
- daily dry brushing to improve lymph flow; and most importantly
- stop wearing a bra. Period.
I am about to turn 70 and I have worn a bra since I was a teenager so I was a little taken aback about not wearing a bra. I am slim but reasonably endowed - not to mention kinda “nippy”. At first, I was pretty self conscious and wore really loose tops to conceal my bralessness, but as time went on I started to develop a true appreciation for both the look of being unconstrained and the feel of it. It is fantastic and I have come to really love my breasts. I really like the lovely movement of them when I am walking or moving, especially since I am aware that the free movement in itself encourages better lymph flow. It took a while to get used to not having elevated breasts (I tend to be a bit “low slung”) but it is the best thing I have ever done as a way to nurture myself, which I happen to think is another key in resolving breast cancer (especially as it relates to the left breast which pertains to the mother/child aspect). In fact, the rare times I have put on a non-wired, stretchy bra for a short period of time, I HATED it. I disliked the constriction and I didn’t particularly like how they looked.
I am also working at releasing and clearing emotional blocks and stuck energies around my ability to truly accept myself. This is vital work in my efforts to be healthy.
Honestly, I cannot recommend going braless enough. It is physically, emotionally and spiritually empowering and freeing.
Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed your ability to tell a very good story, and I found it very interesting that you realized your mother's health may have been affected by her childhood. I know this can be a huge factor for many. You make soo many good points to ponder and let sink in. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences. Much Love ❤️
Brava. A few things for you to consider. 1. Take an Auria breast health tear test. It will show you the amount of inflammation. This is a new test for breast cancer detection for stage 0-4. About $100 do it at home. 2. Get a DUTCH test. Look at your complete hormone metabolites and see if you are producing negative estrogen components that will cause more inflammation. Great job for your attitude now back it with data and a plan to eliminate inflammation. Stephanie Nielsen, Pharm.D, CCN, certified functional genomic practionier
Broke wrist June 29. Hard to get dressed at all; bra a total no-go. Have since (almost 3 1/2 mos) only worn one about six times because of being out in public. Besides which, husband has stated he prefers this "natural look".
As I read through the Old Testament, I was struck by the number of times God refers to wine, to vine culture, to strong drink (beer). On next reading of the whole I intend to keep a chart of each mention.
Another topic women fail to talk about is breastfeeding. I would imagine that also helps in cancer prevention. It stops Nestle from making money too. Tank tops and/or sweat shirts or other coverings make it easier too. Most often no alcohol just like during pregnancy.
Yes, that is absolutely true; however my wife breastfed both daughters for over a year each and didn’t have any miscarriages or abortions, and still was diagnosed with breast cancer (I think after getting the COVID jab.) She does wear bras (with underwire). No guarantees in life
A Midwestern Doctor did a post (which you have probably already read) on the danger of those underwires suppressing lymphatic drainage. I myself note that for most of my life, my bras had no underwire. But in the last 10-20 years I don't think I have seen wire-less bras. I do remember my mother-in-law remarking, in the early 70's, that she had to wear an underwire bra because she had very large breasts--which implies that in the early 70's underwires were rare.
This is true for the first pregnancy; I have been aware of this for several decades. I am not sure about later pregnancies. It is a real problem, as I suspect that a huge proportion of first pregnancies end with planned parenthood appointments, as opposed to delivery. I don’t think it matters between induced abortion or miscarriage. I don’t know how long a gestation has to be to avoid the risk & not sure that data exists (I no longer do OB). Perhaps Dr. Tenpenny knows.
Just want to say that tight pants are also an issue. I've been having issue with my waist since about 20 years now with tight pants. It's called tight pant syndrome apparently and it's real.
Women's pants are usually too low at the waist for me as I am tall with a long torso. I seriously have to wear men's pants because of this and still, not tight on me.
I have thought about this article for a few weeks. Experimented with the idea of going braless, buying a few garments to make that possible, camisoles, tight t-shirts to wear as under shirts, bralettes, etc. I also talked to one large breasted friend to see what she thought about going braless. She told me she can not stand to go without a bra, wearing one even to sleep at night.
After an illness resulted in a natural detox effect, lost weight in my breasts, and felt a lot better about having lighter breasts. Consequently, I think the solution is to find more comfortable under garments to wear much of the time, maybe go braless about half of the day, give the breasts a chance to “rest” in a comfortable bra the other half of the day, eat healthier, consume less processed foods, loose weight, tone up, and try to stay positive and happy.
When you “… a high risk of cancer”, compared to what? How high? I understand how they can be uncomfortable but what is it about bras in particular that makes them dangerous?
I don’t wear deodorant, bras or drink alcohol. My double DS are glorious.
As a recently retired surgeon who has treated breasts for 46 years, first as a general surgeon then as a plastic surgeon, I am amazed that this type of gross medical misinformation- that bras increase the risk of breast cancer- is still being promoted by supposed medical professionals. I can speak from personal experience both treating breast cancer and performing reconstruction, and extensive ongoing education on breast physiology. The issue, including interrupted lymphatic flow from the breasts due to bras, has been thoroughly debunked but continues to rise like a phoenix from the ashpile of pseudoscience. If this is true, men who wear tight belts should have a greater risk of testicular and anal cancer! https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/one-more-time-no-wearing-a-bra-does-not-cause-breast-cancer/ Wear a bra. Don't wear a bra. It is a fashion choice, not a medical one. And, yes, your breasts will sag more over the years, especially if you are large breasted, and go bra-less a lot. I think many women would accept a miniscule (unproven) added risk of breast cancer for the benefits that a bra provides. I do not advocate censorship or cancellation but you should be careful as articles like this will discredit your site as a source of reliable information. R. Bosshardt, MD, FACS
“ If this is true, men who wear tight belts should have a greater risk of testicular and anal cancer!” Actually, you raise a good point. Belts do impact lymphatic drainage from the pelvis, but unfortunately this issue of tight clothing affecting lymphatics is still ignored. However, the incidence of tumors is greater in the distal colon and rectum, which is below the belt line, than in the proximal colon, which is above the belt line. However, belts and bras are not equally tight, are not worn the same amount of time daily, and the breasts are easily compressed onto the chest wall by the bra. So the bra is in more direct contact with the breast lymphatics than the belt is with pelvic lymphatics. Clearly, all tight garments are a problem for circulation, particularly lymphatic circulation. I suggest you check out the study, Lymph Stasis Promotes Tumor Growth, in the Journal of Dermatological Science. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092318111830104X#
"The issue, including interrupted lymphatic flow from the breasts due to bras, has been thoroughly debunked but continues to rise like a phoenix from the ashpile of pseudoscience.” Can you please show how this issue has been debunked. There are numerous studies showing a link. Other than opinion coming from the cancer industry, can you please provide evidence that this issue has been “thoroughly debunked”? I assume that means there are many studies refuting the link. I know of only one, a 2014 Fred Hutchinson study that was a biased study that did not include any bra-free women, so there was no control group, and only included post-menopausal women, creating a survivor bias. Do you know of other studies that refute the bra-cancer link? And do you know about the studies which do show a link?
I believe it is important for doctors who make absolute statements denying the bra-cancer link, as you have, to support their statements with facts. I have supported my statements with references to studies. Please help me understand your position better and why you believe this issue has no merit and is “pseudoscience”. Thank you.
You claim that bra usage is not a medical issue, but you also claim that bras provide benefits, which means they have physiological impacts, making them a medical issue. For example, tight bras have been used to stop lactation, showing a clear impact on breast function. You also state that they prevent breasts from drooping. "And, yes, your breasts will sag more over the years, especially if you are large breasted, and go bra-less a lot.” Can you please provide scientific evidence that bras prevent drooping? From my knowledge and experience with this issue for over 30 years as a medical anthropologist, bras actually cause droop, by creating dependence on external support which results in the atrophy and weakening of the natural suspensory ligaments inside the breasts. Even bra makers state that bras do not prevent droop. If you know of any studies showing otherwise, please let me know. I also know that large-breasted women who wear bras develop deep grooves in their shoulders which causes nerve impingement and associated problems. Actually, I don’t know of any benefit of bra usage, and tight bras do interfere with lymphatics. Any evidence you have that shows any benefits of bras would be very helpful. The way I see it, the human female breast was not designed by nature to need 20th Century lingerie for “support”. And from my experience with women from cultures where they don’t wear bras, there are women of all breast sizes who have healthy, bra-free breasts. So I wonder where you get your data showing bras are a necessity and benefit for the breasts. Thanks.
Hi Richard. This is Sydney Ross Singer, author of this article. I suggest you actually read the references. There are many studies which show a bra-cancer link. For your edification, here is another article explaining the biomechanics of the bra-cancer link. See, The Biomechanics of Bras and Lymphatics and the Link to Breast Cancer
https://www.academia.edu/115045056/The_Biomechanics_of_Bras_and_Lymphatics_and_the_Link_to_Breast_Cancer
Btw, did you read the book and the study references?
It is A risk factor, at least for some, just like genetics in A risk factor, not a causative factor
Also do you know who is behind and funds sciencebasedmedice.org?
Look into if. They NEVER support anything that is non-mainstream thinking
A lot of guys wear clothing that hugs the biceps and accentuates the muscle volume and tone--and people notice it. Tee shirts, business suits. Ever hear people complain, particularly women? You're looking at nature the way it was designed to be seen.
Who has heard a man bemoan the fact that women sometimes wear clothing which does not suppress and obscure their femininity? Quite the opposite; society is a happier place when proud women show up.
My mother had breast cancer in both breasts, 5 years apart starting when she was in her early 50s. I was in my early 20s at the time and have felt as if there has been a sword of Damocles hanging over my head for a very long time. Over the years I would submit reluctantly to annual mammograms subjecting my “girls” to radiation and pretty extreme pressure. It always felt like “well we didn’t find anything this year, but we’ll just keep looking until we do!” as they would blather on about genetics and so on. At one point I realized that in terms of emotional make up, I was NOT my mother. She had lacked some very basic nurturing during a childhood where she experienced some pretty dramatic losses and recurring abandonment. Although I was somewhat neglected by busy parents who did not meet some of my developmental needs, I started to understand that my mom’s severe lack of nurturing may have been the catalyst for her cancer. This helped me relax a bit about my concerns.
Last January, I went for my annual torture test. The technician decided to do a second image of my left breast. The report showed some calcium deposits there and my doctor dutifully arranged for yet another mammogram and a CT scan as well. Not coincidentally, I had just finished a book by Christiane Northrop, called “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom” in which she discusses thermographic imaging for breasts. I recall she referred to a book called “Dressed to Kill” about the potential issues with wearing a bra which I have since read.
I decided that I was never going to subject my breasts to another mammogram. I made an appointment with a thermography clinic. This is a non intrusive, completely hands off assessment of how much inflammation (measured in temperature readings using a specialized camera) is present in the breast tissue. While the scan showed that my left breast was at the top end of the acceptable range, they were both considered to be in the north range and I was advised to retest in 9-12 months, which I am doing. (My doctor, though doubting, told me she would support me in my decision, for which I am appreciative. She did not know anything about thermography so I referred her to Northrup’s book. She mentioned, after doing a quick Google search, that the FDA has not given thermography its “blessing” but quite frankly, after going through the Covid fiasco and the FDA’s role in the B.S. we were subjected to, I personally do not give a flying fuck about what the FDA has to say about anything.)
While I was with the thermography technician, she talked to me about what I could do to help improve my breast health. Her recommendations, all of which I implemented immediately, were:
- stop alcohol use (no problem as I had quit drinking 5 years ago);
- daily use of a blend of pure aloe with a couple of drops each of frankincense and myrrh essential oils applied all around both breasts and armpit lymph node areas to reduce inflammation;
- daily dry brushing to improve lymph flow; and most importantly
- stop wearing a bra. Period.
I am about to turn 70 and I have worn a bra since I was a teenager so I was a little taken aback about not wearing a bra. I am slim but reasonably endowed - not to mention kinda “nippy”. At first, I was pretty self conscious and wore really loose tops to conceal my bralessness, but as time went on I started to develop a true appreciation for both the look of being unconstrained and the feel of it. It is fantastic and I have come to really love my breasts. I really like the lovely movement of them when I am walking or moving, especially since I am aware that the free movement in itself encourages better lymph flow. It took a while to get used to not having elevated breasts (I tend to be a bit “low slung”) but it is the best thing I have ever done as a way to nurture myself, which I happen to think is another key in resolving breast cancer (especially as it relates to the left breast which pertains to the mother/child aspect). In fact, the rare times I have put on a non-wired, stretchy bra for a short period of time, I HATED it. I disliked the constriction and I didn’t particularly like how they looked.
I am also working at releasing and clearing emotional blocks and stuck energies around my ability to truly accept myself. This is vital work in my efforts to be healthy.
Honestly, I cannot recommend going braless enough. It is physically, emotionally and spiritually empowering and freeing.
Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed your ability to tell a very good story, and I found it very interesting that you realized your mother's health may have been affected by her childhood. I know this can be a huge factor for many. You make soo many good points to ponder and let sink in. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences. Much Love ❤️
Brava. A few things for you to consider. 1. Take an Auria breast health tear test. It will show you the amount of inflammation. This is a new test for breast cancer detection for stage 0-4. About $100 do it at home. 2. Get a DUTCH test. Look at your complete hormone metabolites and see if you are producing negative estrogen components that will cause more inflammation. Great job for your attitude now back it with data and a plan to eliminate inflammation. Stephanie Nielsen, Pharm.D, CCN, certified functional genomic practionier
What a great story Janet! thanks so much for sharing! (you're a good story teller and good writer too!)
DCIS at 38, I cannot deny feeling like alcohol contributed to its formation
Broke wrist June 29. Hard to get dressed at all; bra a total no-go. Have since (almost 3 1/2 mos) only worn one about six times because of being out in public. Besides which, husband has stated he prefers this "natural look".
I’ll be happy to hold them up for the right woman.
🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂
🤣
Need some clarity... are we talking tight bras or no bras. And zero alcohol vs occasional alcohol?
no bras are best but loose fitting are better than tight.
Occasional alcohol is ok. Take your B-complex especially folate
As I read through the Old Testament, I was struck by the number of times God refers to wine, to vine culture, to strong drink (beer). On next reading of the whole I intend to keep a chart of each mention.
Another topic women fail to talk about is breastfeeding. I would imagine that also helps in cancer prevention. It stops Nestle from making money too. Tank tops and/or sweat shirts or other coverings make it easier too. Most often no alcohol just like during pregnancy.
Yes, that is absolutely true; however my wife breastfed both daughters for over a year each and didn’t have any miscarriages or abortions, and still was diagnosed with breast cancer (I think after getting the COVID jab.) She does wear bras (with underwire). No guarantees in life
A Midwestern Doctor did a post (which you have probably already read) on the danger of those underwires suppressing lymphatic drainage. I myself note that for most of my life, my bras had no underwire. But in the last 10-20 years I don't think I have seen wire-less bras. I do remember my mother-in-law remarking, in the early 70's, that she had to wear an underwire bra because she had very large breasts--which implies that in the early 70's underwires were rare.
I have not, but I should
i heard that having a miscarriage or an abortion raises one's risk of breast issues, due to the sudden interruption in the very active hormones
This is true for the first pregnancy; I have been aware of this for several decades. I am not sure about later pregnancies. It is a real problem, as I suspect that a huge proportion of first pregnancies end with planned parenthood appointments, as opposed to delivery. I don’t think it matters between induced abortion or miscarriage. I don’t know how long a gestation has to be to avoid the risk & not sure that data exists (I no longer do OB). Perhaps Dr. Tenpenny knows.
Very interesting subject, never heared about it before, but It does seem reasonable
Just want to say that tight pants are also an issue. I've been having issue with my waist since about 20 years now with tight pants. It's called tight pant syndrome apparently and it's real.
Women's pants are usually too low at the waist for me as I am tall with a long torso. I seriously have to wear men's pants because of this and still, not tight on me.
Thank you for sharing. We also need to be aware that women's breasts in the U.S.
seem very large, certainly compared to that of Asian women. That is not necessarily
a sign of health. I am not Asian, but am grateful that my girls are a great size where I
do not need to wear a bra.
Part of the size is from lymphedema. Once women stop wearing bras, their breasts lift, tone, and become less congested.
Well, that may be a PART of it. However a woman with big breasts us not going
to suddenly have firm strong breasts that do not hang down to her bottom ribs!.
Its' estrogen dominance, and eating lots of dairy and eggs, high in estrogens from FEMALE ANIMALS that is a major part of the problem.
Wasn't Sydney Ross Singer a regular guest on The Power Hour before and after Dave left Joyce?