Doctors' opinions on bras and
fibrocystic breast disease

Fibrocystic disease and bras - case histories

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What do doctors say about fibrocystic breast disease and bra wearing?

In Western countries such as the USA, a large percentage of women experience benign (non-cancerous) but often quite painful cysts and lumps in their breasts.  Many women, and unfortunately many doctors, think that fibrocystic breast disease is a "normal" condition for women.  Some even say that it is not a "disease." However, some doctors feel that fibrocystic is a real disease that needs to be dealt with. Below are listed some quotes from doctors who do believe that going brafree can greatly reduce or even totally eliminate breast pain and fibrocystic cysts.

"After repeated bouts of inflammation, the breasts develop scar tissue in many places, and some of the milk ducts become plugged, forming cysts. Fibrocystic breast disease, not surprisingly, is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer."
Dr. John McDougall, M.D., in his book titled The McDougall Program for a Healthy Heart, p.246. 

"Any activity which will help to remove accumulated toxins in the breasts will help to reduce the chances of developing breast cancer." "It is the job of the lymphatic system of the body to help drain toxic substances from tissues and poor lymphatic drainage may play a role in breast cancer formation." "(Lymph flow) is very sensitive to constricting external pressure which can impede its flow. Bras and other external tight clothing can impede flow." "So, the take home message to women is to wear bras as little as possible and when wearing them try to choose one that is least constricting."
Michael Schacter, M.D.
The Prevention and Complementary Treatment of Breast Cancer

Researchers at the University of Texas S.W. Medical Center have found that bra straps can "cause headaches and lead to serious nerve damage." "Tight bra straps are especially hazardous for full-busted women, but all women are susceptible."
The full article is available in the archive of UT Southwestern Medical Center Library (ask the librarian).

"I suggest that you switch to a looser fitting bra, and the (breast) pain might even disappear."
Nevada physician, Dr. Theodore Potruch, M.D.

"Stop wearing an underwire bra. Too often this kind of bra cuts off circulation of both blood and lymph fluid around the breast, chest wall, and surrounding tissue."
Dr. Christiane Northrup, M.D., Univ. of Vermont College of Medicine author of "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom" 

"Dr. Hanley encourages her patients not to wear underwire bras or even tight bras, except for special occasions because they block the lymph glands underneath the breast. Lymph glands play an important role in draining toxins from the breast."
Dr. Jesse Hanley, M.D., ("What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause," Warner Books, 1999)

"...toxic agents can affect the lymphatic system as well as many other bodily functions. Such irritants do not automatically disappear in the lymphatics. However, the more cleanly flowing your lymphatic system the more likely it is that they will be carried to the liver where they can be metabolized or excreted through the urine."
"For example, women who wear bras don't have normal movement in their breast tissue. As a result, their lymphatics slow, and toxins stay in the tissue. This can cause changes in the DNA, which may cause cancer. A Swedish study showed not only a strong correlation between cancer of the breast and the wearing of brassieres but also a twenty-nine-fold decrease in the breast cancer rates when women went without this undergarment."
Dr. Gerald Lemole, a famous heart surgeon who studied under Dr. Michael DeBakey and has performed or directed over 20,000 heart surgeries, in his book "The Healing Diet": A Total Health Program to Purify Your Lymph system and Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease (HarperCollins Publishers, New York 2001

Medical anthropologists Sydney Singer and Soma Grismaijer, in a study of over 4000 women, found that women who do not wear bras have a much lower risk of breast cancer ("Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras" Avery Press, 1995). Singer and Grismaijer, and also Dr. Gregory Heigh, have found that around 90% of fibrocystic patients improve when they quit wearing bras.

No one is saying that bra abstinence will eradicate breast cancer, or even all cases of fibrocystic. However, the evidence for a connection is certainly sufficient for further study by the medical community. Meanwhile, if you have breast pain or cysts, there is now a promising healing alternative that you can try for yourself!  Many women have found that by wearing less restrictive undergarments than bras (camisoles, tank tops, etc.) they can dramatically reduce or eliminate fibrocystic cysts and pain.  Read here some case histories of how women who got help from fibrocystic cysts and pain by taking bra off.