As controversial as it may seem in the eyes of many, National No Bra Day is one event that needs to be celebrated by all women around the world. Using the hashtag #nobraday on social media, encourages women to go braless for a 24-hour period on the 13th of October. The National No Bra Day aims to raise awareness on the importance of knowing how to carry out breast self-examinations, recognize symptoms of breast cancer and encourage women to partake in regular breast cancer screening.
The highlight of the National No Bra Day was originally celebrated on two distinct days, thus, July 9, 2011, and October 19, 2011. The latter was founded in Toronto, Canada, where it was initially titled, ‘BRA Day’ by one Dr Mitchell Brown. People celebrated BRA (Breast Reconstruction — An Event of Learning and Sharing) Day to raise awareness for women who undergo a mastectomy and encourage self-examinations. In July that same year, another person using the pseudonym, Anastasia Doughnuts, conceived National No Bra Day to raise breast cancer awareness, along with a website to help promote the event’s occurrence. Three years later, the two days were combined and pushed to October 13 to be celebrated during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. It is believed that one in eight women will be diagnosed with this illness in their lifetime. While there is a good chance of recovery, there have been a lot of women who have lost their lives because of this terrible disease. Early diagnosis is very important, and while breast cancer is most common in women over the age of 50, women of any age can get it.
Some of the reasons for celebrating National No Bra Day
Cancer is a disease that spreads inside people who do not pay attention until it’s too late. Women need to wear bras every day to keep their breasts in shape when they are out. But if they pay attention to their breasts by not wearing bras when it is not necessary, that will minimize the severity of breast cancer.
More so, everyone knows that breast is a taboo subject. Women generally do not speak about this in public. But it is essential to speak out about them. That is how you can lower the risks of breast cancer. That is why National No Bra Day is not just for not wearing bras for the entire day but to create awareness publicly. A monthly or quarterly breast checkup is also essential for every woman. This day encourages them to go for a regular breast checkup.
Not wearing a bra is the most comfortable thing for every woman. Bra tends to be hideously uncomfortable. All bra-wearers know about this. That is why National No Bra Day is a great excuse to throw uncomfortable feelings away and go all the way without a bra. But it is not mandatory. You can still wear a bra if you want.
What you can do on National No Bra Day
No Bra Day is about the fight against breast cancer. A lot of people know someone who has experienced breast cancer. It is a horrible disease, which can have a heartbreaking conclusion.
No Bra Day is an excellent day in terms of supporting women who have experienced breast cancer or are going through it at the moment and raising awareness about the condition so that hopefully, a cure can be found for it.
Another idea for No Bra Day is to fundraise for the cause. There are many cancer charities out there, that would appreciate your help. That includes charities for people with breast cancer and their families too. You could organize an event in your local area and help raise more money for charities. You can also give out the money to your local hospital, so that it will use the money to run free mammograms for women who can’t afford it.
If you cannot go braless today, then wear purple, pink or white and help spread the word about breast cancer.
Read also: #WCW: Best dressed female celebrities at 22nd VGMA
