Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop promoting claim that breast cancer can be caused by bras

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Goop contributor Dr. Habib Sadeghi wrote a lengthy 2,700 word post about the possible link between breast cancer and bras earlier this month
The feature was also shared in Goop's October 15 newsletter and advises women to reduce the amount of time they wear their bras
However, several studies say there is no evidence that wearing a bra increases a woman's risk for breast cancer
San Francisco-based OB-GYN Jennifer Gunter said the piece should never have been publishes

Published: 17:10 EST, 21 October 2015 | Updated: 02:05 EST, 22 October 2015

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Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle blog Goop is famous for its unique - and sometimes controversial - advice, however, the website is now receiving backlash for reviving the scientifically discredited claim that breast cancer may be caused by wearing bras.

The 43-year-old's website recently published a nearly 2,700-word post about the possible link between breast cancer and bras, which was written by Gwyneth's health guru and Goop contributor Dr. Habib Sadeghi during Breast Cancer Awareness month. However, San Francisco-based OB-GYN Jennifer Gunter has quickly hit back, saying the piece should never have been shared because his arguments are lacking any scientific backing.

'This stuff scares women,' she told the Huffington Post. 'When people have cancer they desperately reap their past to try and come up with things they may have done, and so this kind of misinformation could cause women to stress and lose sleep and that is definitely bad for your health, nevermind being cruel.'

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Pseudoscience? Gwyneth Paltrow can be seen at Breast Cancer Research Foundation event last August. The actress' website Goop recently published a post about the possible link between bras and breast cancer

Risky business: While the 43-year-old actress is pictured wearing a black lace bra in the 2012 film Thanks for Sharing, the post featured on her site revived the discredited claim that breast cancer may be linked to bras

In the piece featured in Goop's October 15 newsletter, Dr. Sadeghi referenced the book Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras, which was written in 1995 by husband-and wife medical anthropology team, Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer.

The controversial book alleges that 'breast cancer risk dramatically increased in women who wore their bras over 12 hours per day'.

And in his post, Dr. Sadeghi explained that a 'tight-fitting bra restricts the lymph nodes around the breast and underarm area, preventing toxins from being processed through them and flushed out of the body'.

The co-founder of the Be Hive Healing health center in Los Angeles went on to say that 'accumulated toxins anywhere in the body increase the risk for cancer'.

Feeling free: In the piece, Dr. Habib Sadeghi advises women to reduce the amount of time they wear their bras, and Gwyneth appears to have ditched her bra for a La Mer event in Hollywood earlier this month

Dr. Sadeghi advised women to reduce the amount of time they wear a bra, purchase bras without underwire and even remove the underwire from their existing bras by snipping the outer layers of each cup.

'While there is a legitimate reason for concern when it comes to bras and breast cancer, some simple changes, along with an existing healthy lifestyle, can result in a drastic reduction in breast cancer risk,' he explained.

Alternative medicine: Dr. Sadeghi (pictured) is a regular Goop contributor and the co-founder of the Be Hive Healing health center in Los Angeles

However, the American Cancer Society says 'there are no scientifically valid studies that show wearing bras of any type causes breast cancer'.

And in 2014, a study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention also confirmed there is 'no evidence that wearing a bra increases a woman's risk of breast cancer'.

While Dr. Sadeghi has included information about the studies that refute the link between breast cancer and bras in his piece, Dr. Gunter wrote in her own blog post that 'Goop is the latest site to stoke false fears about bras and breast cancer'.

'Breast cancer is a complex condition that involves genetics and a variety of risk factors, the most common ones being obesity, dense breasts, alcohol consumption, if and when (age) a woman gives birth, taking estrogen, and a history of radiation exposure,' she told The Huffington Post. 'None of these things are related to bras except obesity, which gives larger breasts and hence increases likelihood of wearing a bra.'

A spokesperson for Goop told Daily Mail Online that the site 'regularly shares perspectives and insights from a range of experts in health, wellness, and other fields'.

'The thoughts shared stimulate discussion and conversation on a variety of topics for the consideration of our readers,' the spokesperson added. 'As noted at the bottom of the article, the views expressed in this article intend to highlight alternative studies and induce conversation. Consult your doctor before making any changes in your medical routine.'

Gwyneth has been mocked for postings in the past on her website, where she offers unusual fashion and fitness tips including The Secrets of the Pelvic Floor, in which she suggests squatting down and peeing in the shower.

Another controversial column includes one in which she suggested that women should steam-clean their vaginas.