No Bra Day: Prioritising breast cancer awareness not sexualisation

On October 13, the world observes No Bra Day, an annual event aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer and promoting early detection through regular screenings. Unfortunately, the day, which should focus on the serious issue of women’s health, often gets sidetracked by discus­sions that sexualise the female breast rather than focusing on its importance in life-saving health conversations. No Bra Day should remind us of the significance of breast cancer awareness, the need for regular screenings, and the im­portance of accurate information. It is time we shift the narrative away from sexualisation and towards education and empower­ment.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2020 alone, there were an estimated 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer globally, with over 685,000 deaths. This makes breast can­cer the leading cause of cancer death in women.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer under the World Health Organisa­tion (WHO) in its 2022 report showed that approximately there were 27, 385 newly re­ported cases of breast cancer in the year under review. Out of this figure, there were 17, 944 reported deaths. The number of prevalence cases within a five-year span according to the report was 63, 764. Most of these cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, where treatment options are limited, and outcomes are poor. Late diagnosis is often due to a lack of awareness, limited access to health services, and fear associ­ated with the disease.

The harm of oversimplifying breast cancer prevention

Despite the noble purpose of No Bra Day, the occasion often falls victim to misinformation and misguided discussions, particularly regarding myths that claim men sucking a wom­an’s breast can prevent breast cancer. This oversimplification not only detracts from the serious medical conversation but also promotes dangerous misinformation. There is no scientific evidence that supports such myths, and spreading these falsehoods can detract from the very real, evidence-based steps that women can take to protect themselves from breast cancer.

The truth is that breast cancer prevention is not simple, and it is certainly not tied to myths of sexual activity. Reducing one’s risk of breast cancer involves a combination of factors, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing alcohol consumption, engaging in regular physical activity, and ensuring early de­tection through regular mam­mograms, especially for women over the age of 40 or those with a family history of breast cancer. No Bra Day should be a time to emphasize these scientifically proven measures instead of perpetuating harm­ful myths that mislead women about their health.

Traditionally, some breast cancer awareness campaigns have used fear-based messaging to emphasize the devastating consequences of the disease. While fear may grab attention, it can also generate anxiety and a sense of helplessness. Fear-based messages often make women reluctant to engage in health screenings because they associate the process with grim outcomes.

What we need in breast cancer awareness campaigns is a focus on hope rather than fear. Hope-based messages highlight the fact that early detection can save lives. Breast cancer, when caught early, has a high survival rate. Positive messaging can en­courage women to be proactive about their health by emphasiz­ing that they have the power to take charge of their well-being.

Campaigns centered on hope and empowerment can drive real action. These messages should remind women that screening is a step towards tak­ing control of their health, and that early detection can lead to positive outcomes. Hope-based campaigns inspire individuals to participate in life-saving health behaviours, such as regular breast examinations, without the overwhelming pressure of fear.

Call for accurate information and responsible media coverage

In commemorating No Bra Day, it is crucial that the media plays a responsible role in covering this day with dignity and respect. Sensationalised or sexualised coverage of the day undermines the very cause it seeks to promote. The focus should be on breast cancer awareness and education, not on objectifying the female body. Media outlets and public dis­course should concentrate on delivering accurate information that empowers women to seek screening and medical advice.

Health organisations, govern­ments, and individuals should take the lead in shaping the narrative of No Bra Day by or­ganising events, workshops, and public discussions that revolve around breast cancer awareness. Ensuring that women have ac­cess to the right information is paramount. Efforts should also be made to include men’s voices in the conversation, not as the solution to breast cancer myths, but as advocates and supporters of the women in their lives. It is time to refocus our attention on educating and empowering women rather than perpetuating harmful sexualised narratives. Let’s ensure that the messaging around this day is driven by facts, not fear, and by hope, not helplessness.

Author

Victor Kojo Dei

Doctoral Student (Health Communication)

University of Kentucky

Vkde223@uky.edu

• The writer

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The focus should be on breast cancer awareness and education, not on objectifying the female body.

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