Check Your BitsShop
Self-check

Check yo’self.

We are a purpose driven brand wanting to not just see the change, but be the change. Having experienced breast cancer ourselves, we’re aware our current healthcare education and awareness for the younger generations needs a shakeup!!

Breast cancer can affect everyone and unless you know your risks, you can’t protect yourself. Breast cancer can affect ANYONE. Gender, ethnicity, fitness level and even age will not keep you immune. This disease does not discriminate. We’re here to serve you up the life saving info you need.

A woman checking her underarm while showering

Assess your risk

If you’re a woman, your chance of developing breast cancer increases with age. Approximately 70–75% of breast cancers are diagnosed in women 50 years and older.

Although less common under 40, women in their 20’s and 30’s can get it too (around 6% of cases). Our founder Tamara was just 33 when she was diagnosed.

So it’s super important to develop solid self-check habits now, so you’re doing it regularly as you get older and your risk increases.

Men: although far more uncommon, you’re not immune either. Around 25–30 men in New Zealand are diagnosed each year, so get checking too.

Age 20's
1 in 1,429

Chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer in the next 10 years, at your current age.

Source: US National Cancer Institute, SEER 2015–2017.

A hand holding the Check Your Bits body wash bottle in the shower
Self-check, in full

In the shower

When you’re in the shower, running the soap over your body is the perfect time to check. Slippery soap makes it easier for your hands to glide across your skin.

Self-check, in full

Lather up

Use the pads of your fingers to easily lather the soap over your whole breast area.

Think of a nectarine: soft and round, with a small dent in the middle. Your breast is similar.

Nectarines beside the Check Your Bits body wash bottle
A woman checking her breast with the opposite hand
Self-check, in full

Next steps

Have a look in the mirror with your hands pressed down by your sides. Then, raise your arms up in the air and have another look.

If you have larger breasts, it can be easier to do this part lying down.

Self-check guide

Eight easy steps, every time you shower.

  1. Self-check step 1 illustration: Don't be shy. Get nude.
    01Don't be shy. Get nude.
  2. Self-check step 2 illustration: Slippery soap makes it easier for the hands to glide across your skin
    02Slippery soap makes it easier for the hands to glide across your skin
  3. Self-check step 3 illustration: Lather up a coin sized portion
    03Lather up a coin sized portion
  4. Self-check step 4 illustration: One side at a time, raise your arm and use the opposite hand to thoroughly feel your whole breast area
    04One side at a time, raise your arm and use the opposite hand to thoroughly feel your whole breast area
  5. Self-check step 5 illustration: Don't forget your armpits, feeling around for any enlarged lymph nodes
    05Don't forget your armpits, feeling around for any enlarged lymph nodes
  6. Self-check step 6 illustration: Breast tissue spreads right up under your collarbone so make sure you travel north
    06Breast tissue spreads right up under your collarbone so make sure you travel north
  7. Self-check step 7 illustration: Equally important to know how things normally LOOK
    07Equally important to know how things normally LOOK
  8. Self-check step 8 illustration: And how they move, don't forget to check the underside too
    08And how they move, don't forget to check the underside too

This guide is general information and awareness only – it is not medical advice. If something doesn’t feel normal for you, see your GP.

Anything veered off your normal? Get any breast changes checked by your GP or Breastcare team.

Not all changes are cancer related, but knowledge is power. If something is abnormal, an early diagnosis gives you the best chance to clear it up and get back to full health quickly.

Know your normal.

Everyone’s ‘normal’ is different. Check your bits from an early age, and you’ll soon be able to tell when something doesn’t feel right. And if it doesn’t? Trust your instincts and visit your GP.

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