WEARING BRASSIERE - A LESS WELL KNOWN FACTOR ASSOCIATED WITH BREAST CANCER IN WOMEN

Considering the increasing prevalence of breast cancer, today, the main problem
in the field of women's health is the control and prevention of breast cancer. One of the main areas in
preventing this disease is controlling the risk factors associated with lifestyle. Wearing of brassiere is
also a lifestyle-related habit that has sparked many debates today as a risk factor for breast cancer in
women. This study was conducted to determine the behavioral Habits of wearing brassiere in women
with and without breast cancer.
Materials & Methods: This case-control study was conducted on women with and without breast
cancer.A total of 360(120 in the case group -240 in the control group) individuals were selected based
on available sampling method. The study tools were Demographic and behavioral habits of wearing
brassiere questionnaires. Data were analyzed by Descriptive (mean and standard deviation, Frequency)
and analytical tests (Independent t test and Chi-square) by using SPSS version 18 software.
Results: Based on the results, the average hours of wearing brassiere in women with and without breast
cancer was 19.2 ± 3. 21 and 17.9 ± 3.19 respectively. The mean frequency of wearing brassiere during
sleep in women with and without breast cancer was 5.78 ± 1.16 and 4.18 ± 0.83 times per week. There
was a significant difference between the two groups regarding the average hours of wearing brassiere,
the mean frequency of wearing brassiere during sleep and the habit of wearing a tight brassiere (p<0/05).
Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed differences in some behavioral habits of wearing
brassieres in women with and without breast cancer. So, in preventive interventions for breast cancer,
women's education should be considered in order to be aware of the proper behavioral habits in wearing
brassieres.