Sakshi Srivastava | August 14, 2025 : A viral social media reel has reignited debate over a long-standing health myth, claiming that wearing a bra at night could cause breast cancer. The video, shared by fitness coach and influencer Priyank Mehta on Instagram, warns women to “stop wearing bras at night” to avoid potential health risks. The post, which has garnered nearly nine lakh views and more than 13,000 likes, has triggered concern and confusion among viewers.
In the reel, Mehta suggests that during sleep the body “flushes out toxins” through the lymphatic system, and that lymph nodes located in the armpits, breast, and chest act as filters. He claims that wearing tight or underwired bras overnight may obstruct lymph nodes, prevent toxin drainage, and potentially cause swelling, inflammation, or long-term changes in breast tissue. The accompanying caption reiterates this theory, linking bras with fluid buildup and the possibility of “unhealthy breast tissues.”
The idea that bras may be associated with breast cancer is not new. It can be traced back to the 1995 book Dressed to Kill by Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer, which proposed such a connection, later repeated in a 2017 edition. However, medical science has consistently rejected the theory for nearly three decades.
The American Cancer Society has stated unequivocally that there is “no scientific or clinical basis” for the belief that bras obstruct lymph flow and lead to breast cancer. Similarly, the US National Institutes of Health notes that “breast implants, using antiperspirants, and wearing underwire bras do not increase the risk for breast cancer.” Cancer Research UK adds that there is no scientific mechanism to suggest a link, emphasising that existing evidence does not support such claims.
The most notable research in this regard was a 2014 study involving more than 1,500 postmenopausal women, which examined various factors including bra cup size, the number of hours bras were worn daily, use of underwire support, and the age at which women began wearing bras regularly. The study concluded that none of these variables showed any correlation with breast cancer risk.
Reinforcing the scientific consensus, Dr. Shuaib Zaidi, Surgical Oncologist and Principal Director at Max Super Speciality Hospital, said: “No, there is no such scientific evidence so far. Whether during the day or at night, wearing a bra does not increase the risk of cancer. There is no conclusive evidence to support this statement. It is simply not true.”
Addressing the common belief that tight bras may interfere with lymphatic drainage, Dr. Zaidi clarified: “The human breast has excellent lymphatic drainage through multiple channels. If a bra is extremely tight, it may disturb lymphatic drainage to some extent, but that disturbance will not cause breast cancer. The breast has alternative pathways—if one channel is compressed, lymph can still drain from the upper part of the breast into the underarm lymph nodes. When a woman wears a bra, the upper inner part remains open, allowing sufficient drainage through other routes.”
Experts underline that women should not be alarmed by such viral content and that comfort, personal preference, and proper fit should guide bra usage. International cancer organisations unanimously affirm that there is no evidence linking bra use—whether during the day or night—to breast cancer.
Verdict: The viral claim is false. Wearing a bra at night does not cause breast cancer. Women can safely choose bra use based on comfort and fit rather than fear of cancer.
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