It is important to treat your breasts with utmost care and hygiene. But on the other hand, it is as important to steer clear of false rumours and misconceptions about breast health. Lack of awareness can get you to do things that may do more harm than good. Taking to Instagram, Dr Tanushree Pandey Padgaonkar, Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OBGYN) and a well-renowned social media influencer, shares some of the things that people should avoid while handling breasts. We also spoke to an expert who debunks some of the most common myths around the same.
Never Be Conscious Of Your Breasts
“No matter what size, shape, or structure your breasts are, love them just the way they are, ” says Dr Pandey. According to Medical News Today, an individual’s genetics, age, body weight, and hormone levels can all affect the shape and size of the breasts, areolae, and nipples. Sometimes, even the left and right breasts can differ in how they appear. This is called asymmetrical type breasts.
Also Read: Breast Cancer Vs. Breast Cysts: How To Distinguish Between The Lumps?
Wear An Well-Fitted Bra
We all know how discomforting it can get when you wear a wrong size or ill-fitting bra. Whether loose or tight, your bra should fit you well and provide you with proper support. Dr Pandey also recommends not wearing one while sleeping. She encourages people to set the breasts free from time to time and let them relax. Other than that, if you're doing a sports activity or a high-intensity activity, then you should wear a sports bra or a well-fitted bra.
Don’t Use Lightening Creams
According to Dr Pandey, lightening and brightening creams do not help enhance the appearance of your breasts, rather leaving you with nothing but reactions and side effects. A study even found that skin lighteners, which are common among women of African descent, may rather influence breast cancer risk. Any sudden changes to your breasts should not be ignored and must be consulted with a healthcare provider.
Myths Around Breast Debunked
Here are some common myths you shouldn’t believe:
Underwire bras give you cancer
Wearing an underwire bra does not give you any cancer or skin disease. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Rucha Kaushik, Consultant-Breast Cancer Surgeon, PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, says, “It's all a personal choice. “There is no proven research linking underwire bras to an increased risk of breast cancer,” she says. As per the National Breast Cancer Foundation, there have been claims that underwire bras impede lymphatic drainage and cause toxin buildup, however, no medical evidence has been found around the same.
Not wearing a bra will lead to sagging breasts
Again, no scientific evidence supports the claim that wearing a bra prevents sagging of breasts. Breast sagging is a natural process influenced by factors like age, genetics, and overall breast tissue elasticity. However, Dr Kaushik says, “Not wearing a bra can cause the breasts to sag due to the elastic tissues. Therefore, one must wear a bra to give complete and proper support to the breasts.”
Sleeping in bra causes breast cancer
No, this is not true. Going to bed in a bra doesn’t increase your risk of breast cancer, says Dr Kaushik. In fact, a study published in the American Association for Cancer Research found no evidence that any aspect of bra wearing is associated with risk of breast cancer.
Things Not To Ignore
Self-breast examination is important as it helps individuals detect any unusual changes in their breasts early. This increases the likelihood of identifying potential issues, such as lumps or abnormalities, which may be associated with breast cancer.
Breast cancer, a type of cancer in which the breast cells grow abnormally, leading to the formation of a tumour, is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, according to the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). In 2020 alone, it accounted for about 2.3 million new cases and about 6.85 lakh deaths.
Any changes in the breast including breast lump that is smooth and easily movable, pain and tenderness, increase or decrease in breast lump size, and nipple discharge should not be ignored and must be examined by a medical professional.
Bottomline
Your breasts are as important a body part as your heart, lungs and kidneys. They should be taken care of and must be examined regularly by yourself or your doctor. While it’s important to wear a well-fitted bra, it is also okay to let them breathe free from time to time, especially during your bedtime. Remember, sleeping in a bra or wearing an underwire bra does not make you prone to cancer.
