With the prominence of social media, people need to be extra careful to not believe everything they read online.
While many bloggers and celebrities dole out DIY beauty advice and health tips which can be super handy in their videos and social posts, women must stay weary to take some health tips with a pinch of salt.
As many bloggers do not hold qualifications in health issues nor nutritional advice, it’s scary to think how their often misinformed advice will influence young girls.
One blogger that is being heavily criticised by many people for a post linking wearing bras and breast cancer is Nikisha Brunson.
The American blogger is a self-confessed natural skincare and hair products, however a video she posted where she outlaws the wearing of bras is being condemned by many online.
In a post to her Facebook page, Nikisha explains why she believes bras cause breast cancer
“Bras & Cancer❗️
Bouncing bosoms help clear the lymphatics.
Chemical toxins are the primary cause of cancer & poisons accumulating in breast tissue are normally flushed by clear lymph fluid in the lymph nodes in the armpits & upper chest.“Soma & Syd Singer found because lymphatic vessels are very thin, they are extremely sensitive to pressure & are easily compressed. Chronic minimal pressure on the breasts can cause lymph valves & vessels to close. Less oxygen & fewer nutrients are delivered to the cells, while waste products are not flushed away. After 15-20 years of bra-constricted lymph drainage, cancer can result.”
She references a 1995 study which has been widely debunked, much to the anger of her fans and viewers of the video.
“Singer’s “Bra & Breast Cancer” study interviewed 4,000 women in 5 major US cities ranging in age 30-79. Half had breast cancer.
“The most startling stat was 3 out of 4 women who wore their bras to sleep contracted breast cancer. So did 1 out of 7 women strapped into a bra more than 12 hrs a day. Bra-free women have just a 1 in 168 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Singer sent the explosive findings to the heads of America’s most prestigious cancer organizations. None responded. Like the cancer business, the bra business is huge, $6 billion-a-year US bra business. Pointing to the biggest commonality among breast cancer patients, he’s emphatic that it’s bra-squeezed lymphatics.”
As if this tripe wasn’t enough, she advises women to only wear specific types of bras to avoid getting cancer.
“IF YOU MUST WEAR A BRA:
Push-up & sports bras are out. Choose loose-fitting cotton bras. Make sure you can slip 2 fingers under the shoulder straps & side panels. The higher the side panels the more severe restriction of major lymph nodes. Don’t wear bras to sleep. Take off at home. Massage your breasts every time you remove your bra.”
People took to Twitter to express their anger at the nonsensical post from Nikisha, who has quite a following online.
Many of you understandably can’t believe this is true. Seriously. 1m views for the video on this. Disgraceful. pic.twitter.com/UeciaKf0Hl
— Sali Hughes (@salihughes) September 13, 2016
I get particularly enraged by people with no medical expertise seeing it fit to proclaim that certain things cause cancer.
— Louise McSharry (@louisemcsharry) September 13, 2016
YouTuber Bullshitwatch latest. This video from “health and wellness influencer” Nikisha Brunson has 1m views 🙁 https://t.co/yzXLUJBCpx
— Michael Hogan (@michaelhogan) September 13, 2016
In most women, breast cancer is usually detected by a painless lump in the breast. There are other signs though, and you should book in to see a doctor if any of the following symptoms occur when you’re carrying out a routine breast check:
- Any change in the size or shape of the breast
- Changes to the nipple area such as crusting, ulcers, redness, inversion or change in shape or direction of the nipple
- Dimpling of the skin of the breast
- A rash (similar in appearance to eczema) affecting the nipple
- Discharge from the nipple
- Swelling or lumps in your armpit
- Veins that are standing out more than usual
