Plus evidence-backed ways to lower your risk.
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Key Points
- Research has found that wearing underwire bras or antiperspirants does not increase breast cancer risk.
- Men can develop breast cancer too, though it accounts for only about 1% of all cases.
- Most breast cancer cases occur without a family history; age and gender are the biggest risk factors.
About 1 in 8 women in the US will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives, making it the second-most common type of cancer in women. Since it’s so common, there’s a lot of information out there about how to lower your risk, but not all of that information is accurate. For example, should you avoid underwire bras or antiperspirants? Can you get breast cancer if you’re a man? And is family history the most important risk factor? We spoke with oncologists to answer those questions and bust common myths about breast cancer. Here’s what they said, plus evidence-backed ways to reduce your breast cancer risk.
Myth #1: Wearing an underwire bra increases your risk of breast cancer.
In reality, wearing an underwire bra—or any type of bra, for that matter—doesn’t raise your breast cancer risk. “This myth is based on a flawed theory that underwire bras can obstruct the flow of lymph fluid from the breasts, causing toxins to build up and lead to cancer,” says Dr. Donna McNamara, M.D., breast oncologist at John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center. But research shows that the type of bra you wear doesn’t influence your cancer risk. “The lymphatic system does not function in a way that would allow ‘toxin buildup’ from clothing pressure, and cancer biology does not support this mechanism,” says Dr. Sagar Sardesai, MBBS., breast oncologist and medical director of the High Risk Breast Cancer Program at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.
In reality, “The lymphatic system is complex, and the gentle pressure from a well-fitting bra is not enough to block its flow,” says Dr. McNamara. She cites a large 2014 study in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention that busted this myth. It found no link between wearing a bra and breast cancer risk—regardless of cup size, hours worn, age first worn and underwire. “The primary factors in choosing a bra should be comfort and support, not a fear of cancer,” says Dr. McNamara.
Myth #2: Men don’t get breast cancer.
Most messaging about breast cancer focuses on women, but men aren’t immune to this health issue. “Because male cases are rare (~1% of all breast cancers), it creates a perception that it is exclusively a female disease,” says Dr. Sardesai. However, the American Cancer Society estimates that about 2,670 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026. “The underlying breast tissue in males is still present, and it is susceptible to malignant transformation,” says Dr. Sardesai.
Myth #3: Using antiperspirants or deodorants causes breast cancer.
Despite some fear-mongering around deodorant and antiperspirant, research shows no consistent link between these products and breast cancer. “The theory originally suggested that aluminum compounds in antiperspirants could be absorbed by the skin near the breast and promote the growth of cancer cells. However, studies have shown that very little aluminum is actually absorbed through the skin, and no clear link to cancer has ever been established,” says Dr. McNamara. You may have also heard that blocking sweat by using antiperspirants traps cancer-causing toxins in the body, but the truth is that you’re not clearing most toxins that way. “The body’s primary method for clearing toxins is through the liver and kidneys, not by sweating through the armpits,” says Dr. McNamara.
Myth #4: If you don’t have a family history of breast cancer, your risk is low.
Having a family history of breast cancer does increase your risk of developing it, but the vast majority of breast cancer cases happen in people without a family history of the disease. “What we hear from patients is, ‘I can’t believe I got breast cancer. Nobody in my family has had it before’,” says Dr. Laurie Kirstein, M.D., FACSan oncologist and breast surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering. “The reason for this is that less than 10% of breast cancer is actually because of an inherited predisposition,” says Dr. Kirstein.
So what are the bigger risk factors? “The two biggest risk factors for breast cancer are simply being a woman and getting older. This means that almost every woman has some level of risk, regardless of her family tree,” says Dr. McNamara. They don’t say this to alarm you, but rather to emphasize the importance of screening measures like mammograms and clinical exams, regardless of your family history.
Better Ways to Lower Breast Cancer Risk
Rest assured, there are ways you can lower your breast cancer risk. Here are some evidence-based tips from oncologists:
- Reduce your alcohol intake. Studies show that the more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk of breast cancer. “Keeping intake minimal or avoiding it is one of the clearest modifiable risk reductions,” says Dr. Sardesai.
- Stay active. Being physically active, especially doing high-intensity exercise, is linked with lower rates of breast cancer. “This has been shown to not only lower the risk of developing breast cancer but also the risk of breast cancer recurrence,” says Dr. Kirstein.
- Eat a balanced diet. Prioritize whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins for a variety of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. “Diets rich in vegetables, fiber and minimally-processed foods support weight control and metabolic health, which has the potential to reduce breast cancer risk,” says Dr. Sardesai.
- Stay up to date on screenings. Take screening seriously, regardless of your genetic risk for breast cancer. “Screening doesn’t prevent cancer, but it reduces mortality by detecting cancers earlier when they are more treatable,” says Dr. Sardesai. Most women ages 40 to 74 should get a mammogram every two years.
Our Expert Take
Myths abound when it comes to breast cancer, and it’s important to know the facts. In reality, the type of bra you wear doesn’t influence breast cancer risk and neither does using antiperspirant or deodorant. That said, folks without a family history of breast cancer and men aren’t immune to the disease. So make sure to keep up with your preventative health visits and get appropriate screenings for breast cancer. The earlier it’s detected, the better!
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