Prevent Breast Sagging and Pain with the Right Bra
Women who exercise at least an hour a week after age 30 are less likely to get breast cancer than those who don’t, according to a recent study at the University of Northern Colorado. That’s good news.
But there is a downside. Exercising does take a toll on your breasts that can increase irreversible sagging and even lead to pain. So prevention is key. And that means wearing the right kind of bra that fits well.
A British study found that most women don’t know the difference between good and bad fit when it comes to bras.
In the first of its kind study, conducted at the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom, researchers studied the movement of women’s breasts through sensors placed on the body while those women walked, jogged and ran on a treadmill.
Breasts bounce not only up and down as much as 8 inches, but side to side and in and out. Slow jogging caused as much movement as running. Most bras, it seems, are designed only to minimize vertical motion, according to Joanne Scurr, PhD, breast biomechanics expert and author of the study. She’s working with a designer to develop a bra that addresses all three directions and claims it’s not just exercisers who benefit. Daily living activity also requires good support.
Until a better bra becomes available, Dr. Scurr recommends the following:
1. Use a professional fitter for a starting point in getting the right size bra
2. Try lots of different styles and manufacturers to get the right fit
3. Chest bands should fit firmly since they provide the majority of support. You should not easily get your finger between the band and your breastbone
4. Underwire should be flat against the chest wall and not dig in.
5. The cup should not be baggy or compress the breast tissue.
6. An encapsulation bra (one that has separate, molded cups) is best at limiting motion in all directions. Sports bras that flatten the breast only control up and down motion.
7. Buy a bra that’s comfortable in the loosest setting. When it stretches over washings, you can tighten it up.
Some women may be reluctant to wear a firm fitting, supportive bra because they have heard about a study that suggested that a tight fitting bra can lead to restrict lymph flow and a build of toxins leading to breast cancer. This study was reported on in the book, Dressed to Kill, which was written by two anthropologists.
According to the American Cancer Society, the study was poorly designed. Regardless of the size of a woman’s breasts and whether she is slim or heavy, there is no convincing epidemiologic evidence that her choices regarding bra use will influence her breast cancer risk. Furthermore, the alleged mechanism suggested in the book and in chain e-mails (blocked lymphatic vessels causing toxins to accumulate) is inconsistent with scientific concepts of breast physiology and pathology. So cut out bounce with confidence and keep walking, jogging or running!
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Exercising is important for breast health and breast cancer prevention, but it can lead to irreversible sagging and even pain, if your breasts aren’t properly supported. It’s important to wear a supportive, firm fitting bra, especially while you exercise.
