October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer and promoting early detection through self-examination and mammography. On this occasion, let’s take a moment to address the myths surrounding breast cancer . There are many everyday habits that are suspected to increase breast cancer risk. What are these habits, and how true are these claims?
Dr Rohan Khandelwal, breast cancer surgeon and director of The Breast Centre, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, addressed these common doubts and shed light on the medical evidence behind them. He highlighted myths like what happens if you sleep with a bra on and the colour of a bra. Everyday clothing or sleeping positions have not been shown to trigger this process.
He explained these myths to HT Lifestyle from a clinical perspective and said that breast cancer develops when abnormal cells in breast tissue grow uncontrollably.
Whether you sleep in a bra or take it off before bed comes down to comfort. But doubts connecting this bedtime habit to breast cancer can make women worry. The surgeon dispelled this misconception: “There is no reliable evidence that sleeping in a bra increases breast cancer risk. Wearing one at night is a matter of personal comfort. A soft, well-fitting bra may help women who experience breast tenderness, while others may prefer to sleep without one. Recognising unusual breast changes is far more important than worrying about clothing. As per the surgeon, early breast cancer does not always cause pain, so women should watch for:
