*NO BRA DAY: The Origin and Controversy*
October is the month set aside to increase Awareness about Breast Cancer and raise funds for research into its causes, prevention and management. October 13 has been picked out as 'No bra Day'. This day wasn't to say bra is a cause of breast cancer, as there is no scientific evidence to support such, but only a myth been propagated.
No bra Day is a day set aside to identify with survivors of breast cancer who has had their breast amputated hence could no longer make use of bra and to create awareness about breast examination in prevention of cancer.

_The Origin_
No bra day was initially BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day to create awareness about the availability of breast reconstructive surgery for survivors of breast cancer who has had their breast amputated in the course of treatment.
No bra Day was adapted at the first BRA day in Toronto in 2011 by an anonymous individual who conceived of No Bra Day as a way to encourage women to enjoy being braless and to become knowledgeable about breast cancer symptoms.
N.B: A number of countries still observed the BRA day.

_The Controversy_
The day is controversial as some see it as sexualizing and exploiting women's bodies while at the same time belittling a serious disease.
80% of those around me who posted about the 'No bra Day' this year were guys. Is it because they were concerned? Some see it as a way of mockery of the woman body and has diverted to sexualize the day. At a point, I had to keep telling myself it's 'No bra day', and not nude Day, as doing away with bra doesn't imply nudity as some made it seemed.

Some women have seen it as a day to explore their body and do away with the 'bondage' of bra. Women are urged after taking off their bra to give themselves a breast examination for prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer.

'No Bra Day' is not the same as 'Anti- bra Day' been propagated by some feminists in protest against society's perception of women's bodies and dress requirements.

Also, another issue with the concept is that breast cancer survivors who use prosthetics must wear a bra to conceal their disfigurement or wear prosthetics and inserts in their bra to make them appear "normal". Some critics have described the event as sexualizing and exploiting women’s bodies while at the same time belittling a serious disease.

The unofficial No Bra Day is not recognized by any cancer research organization or is formally part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Some critics have described the event as being "purely sexual". The event does not directly raise money for cancer research or prevention, although individuals are in some cases encouraged to support such causes.

In conclusion, breast cancer is a serious life-threatening illness and has nothing to do with wearing a bra or not wearing a bra, and shouldn't be trivialized sexually or politically. All hands must be on deck to tackle this menace in our society as it affects us all.

Self examination and mammogram are important in the prevention of breast cancer. Get tested!

#PinkRibbon
#BreastCancerAwarenessMonth
#BRADay
#NoBraDay

*©FAM*