Women could be putting their health at risk by wearing bras, researchers have warned. A study by two British surgeons found they are more likely to suffer regular breast pain, which has been linked to breast cancer.
There is already international evidence that cultures where women do not wear bras are free of the cancer. The British research was carried out by Professor Robert Mansel, of Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales, and Simon Cawthorn, from Frenchay Hospital in Bristol.
They asked 100 premenopausal women to go without a bra for three months then return to wearing one for another three months and record Many differences.
Their diaries showed that, on average, the number of totally pain-free days went up by 7 per cent when the women stopped wearing a bras.
Several separate studies have shown a link between breast pain and breast cancer. French researchers found women with monthly breast pain were twice as likely to develop the disease.
It is estimated that two in five British women suffer from breast pain, with some also having cysts. The pain can leave breasts feeling extremely tender, restrict movement and stop women from picking up their children.
Professor Mansel said: 'I know women who are unable to work because of breast pain. It's very common but very hard to treat.'
Medical anthropologist Sydney Singer has claimed that, across the world, breast cancer is a problem only in cultures where women wear bras.
He believes tight bras cause congestion in the lymph nodes - a vital part of the immune system and the body's first line of defence against the spread of cancer
Professor Mansel and Mr Cawthorn agree there is no evidence that wearing a bra brings any medical benefit. But the charity Breast Cancer Care warned women to be sceptical about the research.
A spokesman said last night: 'This study could frighten a lot of women, as most women in this country wear bras. It is certainly a very interesting study but it is a very small one, so any theories coming out of it really do need to be treated with caution.'
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