World no bra day is celebrated in October 13 every year, which falls right in the middle of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The motive of the day is to promote breast cancer awareness in both men and women and encourages all to spot early warning signs and get an edge in the fight against the disease. The movement also encourages gender equality.
However, women in general are encouraged to go bra-less on this day in order to remind people that breast cancer is a potentially fatal disease, but also one of the most preventable forms of cancer.
The origin of this day goes back to July 9, 2011, but within three years it had moved to the 13th day of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The original event known as “BRA Day”, was started by Toronto plastic surgeon Dr. Mitchell Brown. She organised the first event of the day titled “Breast Reconstruction– An Evening of Learning and Sharing” in Toronto, Canada at Women’s College Hospital and Toronto General Hospital.
For years, women have protested the physical and cultural restrictions imposed by bras. It is to interpret rejection of society’s perception of women’s bodies and dress requirements.
Social media users trends the hashtag #nobraday on Instagram and Twitter especially, alerting women of breast cancer symptoms, and encouraging them to conduct regular self examinations.
What is Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a cancer that occurs when cells around the area begin to grow out of control. It usually forms a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. Although, it occurs almost entirely in women, men too can get breast cancer.
It is important to note that most breast lumps are ‘benign’ and not ‘cancer’. This non-cancerous breast tumors are abnormal growths, but they do not spread outside of the breast. They are not life threatening, but some types of benign can increase the risk of breast cancer for a woman. However, any kind of lump should not be ignored and regular health check ups might decrease the future cancer risk.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
Keep in mind, these symptoms can also appear due to other reasons that are not cancerous.
WHY NATIONAL NO BRA DAY IS IMPORTANT
It raises breast cancer awareness Since it is customary for people with breasts to wear bras every day, setting aside a day for purposely not wearing a bra helps make people more aware of breasts in general. Cancer, as a disease, relies on people not paying attention to it until it’s too late. But by paying attention and being aware of your breasts, you minimize the risk that you will be severely affected by breast cancer.
It raises breast awareness We're just going to say it—breasts are a taboo subject. But, if no one talks about them, how are we ever going to lower the risk of breast cancer? National No Bra Day is a day where it's okay, and even encouraged, to talk about breasts. This normalizes them, and de-stigmatizes getting checked for cancer.
It’s the most comfortable day of the year Non-bra-wearers may not realize this, but bras have a tendency to be hideously uncomfortable. National No Bra Day is a great excuse to throw convention to the wind and go without a bra! (Only if you want to, of course.)
Ladies, free your breasts for 24 hours by removing those dreadful (but at times oh-so-helpful) bras. Our perkiness should not be hidden. It is time that the world see what we were blessed with. Your breasts might be colossal, adorable, miniature, full, jiggly, fancy, sensitive, glistening, bouncy, smooth, tender, still blossoming, rosy, plump, fun, silky, Jello-like, fierce, jolly, nice, naughty, cuddly But the most used word to describe your breasts on October 13th should be FREE!
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