Underwire bra's: what do you think?

There is no proven link to bra's and BC.

ehall-- after reconstruction underwires can irritate the scar line from your surgery, that is why you are advised not to wear them.

Before I was dx'd with BC - I bought an underwire bra on sale but found it extremely uncomfortable so I snipped the fabric, pulled out the wire, and was a happy camper! Of course, I was a "barely B" and didn't need much support, so this method worked for me.

Long ago, I read a study about the increase in breast cancer that started occuring in women in the Phillipines. They said the increase started when women there started to wear bras. This was back in the 30's or 40's I believe. My theory is - it probably has less to do with women wearing bras, than with a Western life-style coming to the island people......including a diet heavier in red-meat proteins, birth-control pills, an atomosphere more poisoned with pollution - etc. etc. Still, studies like these are very interesting to me. I also heard some people blame underarm deodorant for BC.....and wonder if any studies were done on that theory??

I heard that 'rumor' as well before BC as well as the deoderant. 

I am large breasted and the underwire was the support I needed...however, I do like Bali too...they have some at JCPenny's that "look" like undewire but its not.

I also, saw at Victoria's Secret has a wireless Bra's and if you will find the thick straps are comfortable!

Much LUV

here you go girls:

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I was diagnosed with BC 3 years ago. I had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction (silicon implants). Since then, although I have been able to find some basic every day bras I like (Calvin Klein, in particular), most don't fit as well and finding pretty/sexy bras is much more difficult. I have cut out the underwires of bras (my Dr. says NO to underwires), but I would rather not have to - it changes the fit. Also, even without the underwire the fit of many rigid lace bras just isn't there for me. I can find some bras to buy but not nearly as many options as I would like...

I am a  clothing designer who was designing sweaters and now I am looking into possibly starting my own business designing bras for women like me/us. I am trying to find out how many women other than myself are feeling the need for more options.

I know what my issues are with fit, etc. But I would love to hear what other people's specific issues are and what they would like to see out there for bras. Is there a need for something else???

I had a lumpectomy 7 years ago & one breast is bigger than the other - it would be nice to have a special bra that fits both sides.

After surgery and radiation, I, too, am having trouble finding a comfortable bra.  I look and look at different options, and while I prefer an underwire, I think I would just feel better if I had any bra that just fit comfortably during the day at work.  Since the surgery, I have only found 1 that fits that category although I have bought several and returned them.  A bra consult should be part of the follow-up treatment.

While there may be no studies saying bras cause BC, the other side of that coin is they are also not "proven" to be completely safe. 

There are studies that link chronic inflammation to cancer. So theoretically, if the bra is ill fitting and creating irritation - who knows?  

About the antiperspirant issue -  this used to be considered a myth. But there are renewed concerns and it is currently getting serious study once again.  Here is one recent,  peer reviewed, published article that recommends continued study: 

http://www.urotoday.com/3341/browse_categories/beyond_the_abstract/beyond_the_abstract__apocrine_sweat_gland_obstruction_by_antiperspirants_allowing_transdermal_absorption_of_cutaneous_generated_hormones_and_pheromones_as_a_link_to_the_observed_incidence_rates_of_breast_and_pro