Check Know Prevent - A Message in a Bra

The need for early detection of breast cancer, the second most prevalent cancer in South Africa, is imperative as it can save your life. A dedicated team, passionate about spreading the message about self-examination and early detection of cancer, have designed a unique bra which does just that and more. They have founded an NGO called Check Know Prevent (CKP) which manufactures unique bras that feature instructions inside the cups on how to check your breasts for any changes. It’s a bra with a message and mission.

The idea for the bra was born in 2012 when a group of breast cancer survivors rode across South African on motorbikes to spread the message that ‘early detection can save your life.’ The convoy stopped in rural areas, at taxi ranks and shopping centres, to educate South Africans about early detection and demonstrate how women (and men) should examine themselves regularly.

Jennifer De Oliviera one of the founding directors of CKP, was one of the support team on the ride and after working on and perfecting the idea over the past 7 years is finally ready to launch it to the public.

‘It is a simple communication tool to serve as a constant reminder that regular self-examination plays a massive role in early detection,’ she explains. ‘We have designed a bra that is fashionable and comfortable plus practical in terms of explanations with step-by-step instructions (supported by a simple graphic)on how to check and examine your own breasts, to know what normal breasts feel like and what signs to look out for and, importantly, what to do if you notice a change in your breasts.

‘The purpose of the bra is twofold. The product, worn daily, is a reminder for women to check their breasts regularly but it is also a way to raise funds. The funds from the sale of the bras will be used in two ways – to donate our bras with a purpose to Grade 11 & 12 school girls to encourage the behaviour of self-checks at an early age, and to support those who are undergoing treatment at public hospitals, clinics and when they are back at home. The aim is to do this in a ‘hands-on practical way from helping with transport costs through to assisting with daily needs and even nutrition.’

The CKP bra is a proudly South African innovation, the first of its kind in the world and its very existence helps empower women on how to check their breasts and to know what to look for to increase their chances of survival in the event that breast cancer is detected. ‘We do not advocate for one moment that self-examination replaces the role of regular check-ups,’ says De Oliviera, ‘but rather that self-examination can supplement your regular medical check-ups, which are less frequent’.

The Check Know Prevent bras are available in four different styles. Each is named after and dedicated to a cancer survivor. The range currently includes:

The Velisa sports’ bra
The Kathy bandeau
The Mish soft bra (smaller breasts)
The Lorraine soft bra (larger breasts)

Each bra has printed instructions and diagrams inside with a guide on how to check your breasts and when to seek medical assistance. The bras were designed by Diane Schonegevel who has 30 years’ experience and is one of only a few bra designers left in South Africa. She says she welcomed the challenge, especially because of the cause it was supporting, as local bra design is almost a lost art with most South African bras made in China nowadays and having lost her best friend to breast cancer the cause is close to her heart. ‘There are many components in a bra – sometimes the fabrics change from cup to wing depending on design and size, plus items such as lace often needs to be sourced internationally as we don’t have the resources locally. Elastic, wire, wire casing, bows, foam, sliders, hooks & eyes, are also all sourced from different suppliers. All need to colour match and conform to technical quality standards required for bras!’ Our bras are made of top quality fabrics lined with soft fabric on the skin.

The CTM of the bras under Di’s supervision is done by Val Theys who operates from Mitchells Plain. She has converted the top of her house into a manufacturing factory and employs 10 people locally to assist her. They are not only working but also gaining experience in the very tricky art of bra making.

Check Know Prevent in brief:

Is a unique tool in the fight against breast cancer
By purchasing
a bra for yourself or a friend, you become pro-active and take charge of your own health by doing regular -breast examinations
Is a reminder of the necessity of conducting self-checks
Educates women on how to do a self-check
Informs women on what symptoms to be on the lookout for
Is a soft bra, which is a healthier option as it takes on the shape of your breasts and curves
Is a Proudly South African initiative and supports a local designer and manufacturer and is creating jobs

Check Know Prevent is run by volunteers – held together by a common passion about making a difference – the bra is the ABC Cup of Knowledge practical guide to remind and educate women to check their breasts and all profits will be invested in education about early detection and to support those undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Whether the bra is purchased for personal use or as a gift for a friend, the Check Know Prevent’s product is a ‘message in a bra’ that could save a life.

https://checkknowprevent.com/

For further information contact:

Kathy Malherbe kathy@iafrica.com

082 5757 156