Could Your Bra Be Affecting Your Breast Health?

Breast cancer rates have been rising steadily over the past three decades—especially since the early 2000s. The increase has been most noticeable among women under 50, climbing about 1.4% each year. In 2025, nearly 317,000 women are expected to receive a breast cancer diagnosis in the U.S.—a sharp rise from 279,000 cases in 2022.

That leads many women to ask an important question: could something as simple as what we wear every day play a role in this troubling trend?

The idea that bras might be linked to breast cancer isn’t new. It was first raised nearly a century ago by Dr. John Mayo, co-founder of the Mayo Clinic. In a 1931 article in the Annals of Surgery, he observed that:

“Cancer of the breast occurs largely among civilized women. In those countries where breasts are allowed to be exposed—that is, not compressed or irritated by clothing—it is rare.”

At the time, bras were a relatively new invention. The first modern bra was patented in 1914 by Mary Phelps Jacob, but they didn’t become popular until the 1930s. Since then, bra-wearing has become the norm in most industrialized countries.

Fast forward to the early 1990s, when Applied Medical Anthropologist, Sidney Ross Singer and his wife and co-researcher, Soma Grismaijer, conducted a landmark study involving more than 4,700 women across five U.S. cities. This group included pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women, with and without breast cancer, who were bra-free or bra-users. Their research—later published in the book Dressed to Kill—looked at bra-wearing attitudes and habits among this large group of women.

Their findings were eye-opening:

• Very few women with breast cancer were bra-free.
• Many slept in their bras.
• Those who wore bras more tightly or for longer hours had higher cancer rates.

According to their data, bra-free women had roughly the same breast cancer rate as men, while women who wore bras around the clock—including while sleeping—had a much higher risk.

The explanation centers on the lymphatic system, which helps your body clear out toxins and support immune function.

Singer and Grismaijer suggested that tight bras restrict lymphatic flow, preventing proper drainage and trapping waste and toxins in breast tissue. Over time, this can lead to:

• Breast tenderness or pain
• Cysts and swelling
• A buildup of toxins that may contribute to cancer or other diseases

As they put it:

“Wearing tight bras compresses delicate lymphatic vessels, preventing the proper elimination of fluid and toxins from the breasts and impairing immune function.”

In short: restricted lymph flow = restricted cleansing = potential health risk.

Not surprisingly, this theory stirred controversy. In 2014, a study from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center reported no evidence that wearing a bra increases breast cancer risk.

However, there was a catch: that study included only women who already wore bras—none who went bra-free—and all participants were over 55. Even the researchers acknowledged that limitation in their own discussion notes.

Singer and other researchers argue that dismissing the idea outright may serve the interests of two major industries: the medical system, which profits from cancer detection and treatment, and the bra industry, which profits from constant purchasing and use of this product.

Since the 1990s, about 20 to 30 additional international studies have found evidence supporting a connection between tight bra use and breast health concerns, even if the mainstream conversation has largely avoided the topic.

The good news? The lingerie industry is slowly responding. More companies are now designing bras that are lymphatic-friendly, breathable, and supportive without constriction. These modern designs move away from tight underwires and push-up styles toward comfort, wellness, and body awareness.

Many women who have chosen to go bra-free—or switched to looser, softer designs—report noticeable improvements:

• Breast pain and cysts disappear
• Natural lift and tone return as ligaments strengthen
• Breathing feels easier, and posture improves

At the heart of this discussion is one simple message: pay attention to how your body feels.

If your bra leaves red marks, indentation lines, or discomfort, it’s sending a signal. Lymphatic flow and circulation are essential for breast health, and anything that restricts them deserves a second look.

You don’t have to ditch your bra entirely, just make choices that honor your comfort and well-being. Try going bra-free at home, switch to softer designs, or skip the underwire when you can.

Sometimes, giving your body a little more freedom is the healthiest thing you can do.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a perfect time to listen to your body, revisit your daily habits, and share this message with the women in your life. Small changes in comfort, self-care, and awareness can make a meaningful difference in long-term health.

Let’s keep the conversation going, because every woman deserves to feel informed, supported, and empowered in her breast health journey.

Sources:

• Mayo, J. (1931). Annals of Surgery, Vol. 93, Issue 2.
• Singer, S. R., & Grismaijer, S. (1995). Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras. Avery Publishing.
• Chen, W. Y., et al. (2014). “Bra Wearing Not Associated with Breast Cancer Risk: A Population-Based Case-Control Study.” Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
• Additional international studies supporting lymphatic and breast health correlations (1995–2023).

Disclaimer:

This article is intended for educational and awareness purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Every woman’s body is different; if you have concerns about breast pain, lymphatic health, or your personal cancer risk, please consult your healthcare provider.