This breast myth is completely false

The claim that wearing a bra causes breast cancer has, unfortunately, been around for some time, but experts have shut the claims down.

They have stressed that there is simply no medical backing behind the rumours, and urged people to ignore medical misinformation online.

Researchers at BreastCancer.org stressed that there is no link between bras and breast cancer.

But where did this myth come from?

According to reports, the myth was sparked by the 1995 book Dressed to Kill.

The authors of the book, Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer, claimed that breast cancer is more common in developed countries because women are more likely to wear bras in these countries.

They claimed that bras block the lymphatic system. They claimed that bras were blocking the body's lymphatic system, which meant toxins couldn't exit the body. They then claimed that this caused the toxins to build up in the breasts, resulting in cancer.

There is absolutely no evidence to support this theory.

Breast cancer will affect one in seven women in Ireland.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

It’s extremely important to be aware of the symptoms of breast cancer, no matter what your age.

You should visit your GP if you notice any of the following:

• a lump in your breast or armpit
• swelling or a lump in the armpit
• a change or size in shape of your breasts
• lumpiness or thickening
• dimpling or puckering of your skin – it will look similar to orange peel
• newly inverted (turned-in) nipples
• bloodstained discharge from the nipple
• a rash, on the nipple or surrounding area – this can look like eczema

It is easier to treat breast cancer if it is found early, so doing regular self-examinations is essential.

There are multiple causes for breast lumps, but it’s important to seek medical help if you notice something irregular, even if you don’t think it’s something serious.