2017 No Bra Day - What is it and why is it celebrated?

Women around the world took time out to observe the "No Bra Day" on Friday October, 23 and were being encouraged to leave their bras at home on the day. 

Of course you know October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and women have been sharing their personal stories related to breast cancer in a number of ways for years. “No Bra Day”— as a social campaign, may have been started as early as 2011 by a plastic surgeon in Canada— who encourages women to go braless and share their photos (with the hashtag #nobraday) to support the cause of breast cancer awareness and since then over 82,000 women have complied by posting pics on Twitter and Instagram.

Although controversial to some, No Bra Day is growing in popularity. So what is it, and why is it being celebrated on Friday 13? Here's what you need to know... 

When is no Bra Day?
No Bra Day took place on (Friday, October 13) - in the middle of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

In 2017, an estimated 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 63,410 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer and some 50,000 Brits are diagnosed with breast cancer every year - while one in women will develop it at some point in their lifetimes. 

What is No Bra Day?
The movement started in 2011 and largely takes place on social media, where women use the hashtag #nobraday to campaign.

The aim is to raise awareness and encourage women to carry out self-examinations, screenings, and make sure they know the signs of breast cancer.

Men, and women who don't want to go braless, are also encouraged to take part - by wearing something purple for the day.

While ladies are encouraged to get a mammogram screening on October 13 - which can help detect breast cancer up to two years before it can be felt by the patient or a doctor.

If #NoBraDay was REALLY about breast cancer awareness, every tweet would have a pic like this, not topless selfies pic.twitter.com/9d2Gxb8U6q

— Pato Dahmashe 𓃮 (@Patolion187) October 13, 2017

You can also show your support by donating to the Breast Cancer Care charity - or attending one of their many October events. 

Why is No Bra Day celebrated?
No Bra Day can be traced back to Toronto, Canada, and plastic surgeon Dr Mitchell Brown.

The aim of his original BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day was to educate women about their choice for reconstruction when undergoing a mastectomy.

By 2014, BRA Day was being celebrated in 30 countries worldwide.

At BRA Day events, those affected by breast cancer can attend Q&A speeches with leading plastic surgeons, and hear inspirational survivor stories.

Culled from the SUN