October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women and the second common type of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 women in the US will develop breast cancer during their lives.
National No Bra Day is observed annually on October 13th, when women are encouraged to leave their bras at home and enjoy the comfort of not wearing a bra for 24 hours. Including this day in the calendar aims to increase awareness for breast cancer risks and complications, remind women to get tested and screened, educate on self-examination, and be aware of early signs. This day also provides an opportunity to honor the victims and survivors of the disease.
The day was initiated in 2011 by the Canadian plastic surgeon Dr. Mitchell Brown under the title “Breast Reconstruction Awareness – (BRA) Day.” The original intent of the day was to promote the option of reconstructive surgery for breast cancer survivors. In the following year, the US has adopted the day, and by 2017 it was observed in 30 countries worldwide.
There are many options to observe No Bra Day:
- Set an appointment for a breast exam and learn self-examination.
- Share your experiences about breast cancer on social media or post yourself braless using the hashtag #nobraday or #NationalNoBraDay.
- Donate to a breast cancer charity or breast cancer research, all that while not wearing a bra.
- Men supporters and women who prefer to leave their bra on can wear something purple as a sign of commemorating the day.
Although there is criticism of the event and claims that it is exploitation and sexualization of women’s bodies, the primary and most important purpose of the day is to raise awareness of breast cancer to minimize death rates caused by breast cancer.
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