A lot of women have long believed a list of do's and don'ts relating to breast cancer and overall health. However, research has found that many items on this list are simply myths, and the facts actually reveal that women need not worry too much about their bra-wearing habits.
According to breast cancer oncologist Kandace McGuire, MD, it is false to believe that underwire bras can cause breast cancer. McGuire, who is with the Breast Cancer Program of Magee Women's Hospital in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, explains that this belief is a product of an outdated theory which states that an underwire bra reduces lymphatic drainage and increases breast cancer risk. However, she points out that such belief has had no empirical basis for years, until now.
A very recent study published in the September 2014 issue of the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention has proven that such belief is worth busting. The researchers considered factors such as bra type and daily bra-wearing habits, attempting to find their link to breast cancer risk. They concluded that there is indeed no direct link; the type of bra you wear and how much you wear it do nothing to increase or decrease your chances of having breast cancer.
McGruire also adds that the belief that antiperspirants cause breast cancer is a myth as well. It is not scientifically proven, said McGuire. However, it Is possible that that such a myth may have sprung from the use of parabens in antiperspirants. Accroding to McGuire, parabens, which are chemical preservatives, have the ability to increase estrogen levels. Increased estrogen levels may have certain health implications, yet the antiperspirant itself is not the cause of breast cancer.
McGuire also points out that it is not true that a woman cannot do anything if she has an inherited risk. Although a strong family history is a major cancer risk factor, a woman can still make choices for her health and future care. Lifestyle plays a crucial role in determining your risk, says McGuire. "You should do everything that you can to decrease your risk," she added.