Editor’s Note: The information contained in this article is not gender specific, and is intended to be helpful across all gender identities. We predominantly use the word “breast” in this article, as that is the terminology most commonly used to refer to these types of cancers.
What Is National No Bra Day?
No Bra Day is on October 13th, bang in the middle of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Dr. Mitchell Brown, a plastic surgeon from Toronto in Canada, originally aimed for a Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day (BRA) aimed at people who had a mastectomy. A mastectomy is when the breast or breasts are surgically removed, which can sometimes be a necessary procedure to help halt the progression of cancer.
The plastic surgeon wanted to show people who have undergone this life-changing surgery that they have a variety of choices, as well as educate people about the symptoms of breast cancer and encouraging everyone, regardless of gender, to get into the routine of self-checking.
So, while National No Bra Day can give us extra comfort, it’s also all about raising awareness and preventing serious illness.
Why Is National No Bra Day Important?
National No Bra Day is super important for people all over the world. It serves three main purposes:
It raises breast cancer awareness and educates people everywhere.
It’s all about encouraging self-checks, getting your mammograms, and being educated about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
It frees people from feeling uncomfortable at the thought of a breast.
Despite breasts being a natural thing in the world, they’re still a secretive subject.
For some reason, breasts are just something we shy away from talking about.
And if we get embarrassed over boobs, how are we meant to talk about breast cancer and save lives? This is especially true when it comes to acknowledging that people of all genders, including cisgender men, can also develop breast cancer.
It can be comfy!
This isn’t quite as deep as the other two reasons, but what a benefit!
Wearing a bra every day can be super uncomfortable. Being able to liberate your chest for 24 hours in the name of breast cancer awareness is something most people can get on board with.
The Need For National No Bra Day
In the UK there are over 50,000 new cases of breast cancer every year, with 1 in 8 developing the disease at some point in their lifetime.
Every year there are 12,000 related deaths.
In the month of October alone, 5000 women will get diagnosed with breast cancer.
A great charity connected with breast cancer is Coppafeel, where they offer inclusive advice on self-examination and what to do if you find something out of the ordinary.
Are Bras Bad For You?
While there is no scientific proof that suggests wearing a properly-fitted bra is bad for you, there is proof that wearing a bra that doesn’t fit can result in neck and chest pain.
There’s also evidence that suggests wearing badly fitted bra links directly to people looking for a breast reduction. In 2003, 102 women who were getting breast reduction surgery had all been wearing badly-fitted bras.
On a vanity note, there’s some scientific research to suggest that bras can loosen the chest muscles over time and cause sagging. Going braless makes your chest muscles work harder, meaning less sagging in the long run.
We don’t see bras as the enemy. However, it can’t be denied that wearing a poorly fitted bra can cause health concerns. It’s crucial to get your bra fitted properly by a professional. And if you feel embarrassed, follow Cacique’s guide to measuring your own bra size at home.
Let’s Celebrate No Bra Day!
On October 13th, it’s time to leave those bras at home and take to social with the #nobraday.
And if you really don’t want to go braless, you can wear something purple to show your support.
Written by the Killing Kittens team.