Breast ironing is a form of body modification practiced in parts of Cameroon. Pubescent girls' breasts are flattened in an attempt to make them less sexually attractive to men, usually by their mother. This practice is believed to help prevent rape and early marriage. Various tools are used to perform this, including grinding stones, pestles, belts, and heated objects are used to press or beat down the forming breasts.

Local non-governmental organizations are trying to call attention to this practice and stop it. While there is little research on the health effects of breast ironing, it is generally believed that the practice can cause tissue damage in addition to the pain of the ironing process.

References

• ^* Millions of Cameroon girls suffer "breast ironing" (Reuters)
• ^* Cameroon girls battle 'breast ironing'(BBC News)
• ^* An Unwelcome "Gift of God" (IPS News)
• ^* 'Breast ironing' to stunt girls' growth widespread (CNN)

Body modification