Check What’s Underneat
You’ve probably heard of breast self-tests. But do you remember to do it?
Life is busy. The statistics are scary. The instructions feel confusing.
While the numbers tell a tragic story, the odds can be in our favour. Without hassle. Without fear. Without confusion.
Many awareness campaigns over the years have reminded us of the importance of self-tests. A simple practice of doing self-exams would change the outcomes for everyone.
But we need more than awareness. We need support. We need to be in this together.
The Solution
“Check What’s Underneat” is your gentle reminder and companion to do your self-test regularly.
The best part? You don’t even need to remember. Not the instructions, not the direction, not even the timing. We’ve got your back.
We have redesigned the way self-test information is provided to make it easy to follow and less anxiety-inducing. The stickers carry the instructions for how to do the test, what to look out for and arrows to give you direction. You can stick them on your bathroom wall, mirror or inside your wardrobe. Wherever you feel comfortable doing a test, the instruction will be right in front of you.
P.S. Remember to always do a self-test in front of the mirror.
P.S.S Every time you do the self-test, remember to treat yourself.
When Should You Do a Self-Test?
Every month, two days after your per
What If You Forget?
We’ve got you covered there, too.
The Check What’s Underneat tracker helps you track your period and self test every month. But not on an app. The old school way. With a calendar and stickers. A pocket-sized tracker that fits into your journal so you can check what’s underneat, regularly.
“Check What’s Underneat” is a reminder, a call-to-action, a nudge to a friend and a commitment to turning the odds in our favour.
FAQs
What is the best time to do a breast self-exam?
It is good to start performing breast self exams in your 20's. You should examine your breasts once a month, three to five days after your menstrual period ends. If you have stopped menstruating, perform the exam on the same day of each month, such as the first day of the month or a day easy for you to remember, such as your birth date.
With each exam, you will become familiar with the contours and feel of your breasts, and will be more alert to changes.
How to perform a breast self-test?
Step 1: Inspect
Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders and back straight, and your arms on your hips. Observe that your breasts are their usual shape, size and colour. See that there is no distortion or swelling, and the breasts are evenly shaped.
Step 2: Raise Your Hand
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Breasts should rise evenly
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Watch for dimpling or reactions
Step 3: Feel for Lumps
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Raise the arm
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Feel with opposite hand
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Feel for a "marble in a bag of rice"
Lying down: Choose a bed or other flat surface to lie down on your back. When lying down, breast tissue spreads out, making it thinner and easier to feel.
In the shower: Lather your fingers and breasts with soap to help your fingers glide more smoothly over your skin.
Step 4: Use the middle of your fingers
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Fingertips are too sensitive (all breasts are somewhat lumpy)
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Palm is too insensitive
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Middle portion of fingers is just right
Step 5: Move your hand in small circles
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Stay in one place
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Press in while circling with your hand
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Feel for thickenings the size of a marble
Step 6: Move your hand in another direction
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Work your way around the breast in a clockwise fashion, using small circles of the hand as you go.
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Make sure the entire breast is felt.
Step 7: The tail of breast
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The breast is not perfectly round.
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A "Tail" of breast tissue normally extends into the armpit.
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Make sure to feel for lumps in that portion of the breast.
Step 8: Feel the Armpit
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Use the same circular motions.
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Feel for breast lumps and lymph nodes.
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Normal lymph nodes cannot be felt.
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Enlarged lymph nodes are about the size of a pencil eraser, but longer and thinner
Step 9: Check the nipples
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Strip the ducts towards the nipple.
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Normally, one or two drops of clear, milky or green-tinged secretions.
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Should not be bloody or in large quantity, squirting out or staining the inside of a bra.
When should I speak to a health professional?
In addition to your monthly breast self-examinations, an annual professional exam by a physician or other qualified health professional is important.
If you find a lump, do not panic. 80% of lumps found in the breast are non-cancerous. Instead, visit a doctor as soon as possible. If you notice any change in size, shape, symmetry or skin texture, visit a doctor.
If I find a lump, does it mean I have cancer?
No, 80% of lumps found in the breast are non-cancerous. However, if you find a lump, it is important that you consult a doctor immediately.
