Itty Titty Stickies

Checking is protecting

Itty Titty Stickies

Checking is protecting

When it comes to chests, breasts and pecs, there's nothing wrong with checking yourself out, and Itty Titty Stickies are here to make sure you do it at the right time, every time. But when is that time? And is it different if you're on the contraceptive pill?

Order the contraceptive pill

When to check in on your chest
Peel it and feel it
The importance of Itty Titty Stickies
Getting your Itty Titty Stickies
How to check your chests, breasts and pecs!
The pill and breast cancer
Does the pill increase the risk of breast cancer?
I have a family history of breast cancer - should I take the pill?

When to check in on your chest

The short answer is that it's always the right time to check in on your chest. But you should be consistent and make sure you do so at the best point in your cycle (especially if you're on the contraceptive pill). This is because:

your breasts change throughout your cycle
breasts can be affected by hormonal changes caused by taking the pill
the pill can increase your risk of breast cancer

So, the best time of the month to check your breasts is when they are least affected by these hormonal changes. This is usually during the first week after your period or when your withdrawal bleed ends.

So, to get the best from your breasts, we recommend examining yourself in the first few days of your cycle, and remembering to do so is as easy as peeling and feeling…

Peel it and feel it

With Itty Titty Stickies, you can make sure you're always checking your breasts when your body is least affected by the hormonal changes caused by your cycle, and it's as easy as peeling then feeling.

Simply take your Itty Titty Stickies, peel 2 off and place them on the first days of your cycle as shown in your pill pack. When you take your pill on a day with an Itty Titty Sticky, you'll get reminded to check your chest. Give yourself a feel and check for any abnormalities. Repeat this with your next pill pack, and you'll be well on your way to building a healthy habit of checking for changes.

Place 2 itty titty stickies on the best days to check your breasts

The importance of Itty Titty Stickies

Did you know that nearly half of women in the UK don't check their breasts regularly for potential signs of breast cancer? Checking your breasts should be a lifetime habit, not something you do every now and then, and you're never too young to get started.

This is because although it's less common, breast cancer is actually more aggressive in younger women (aged between 15 - 34). And unfortunately, people often don't check their breasts, or brush off early symptoms and warning signs because it's less common. Self-examination saves lives, with nearly 80% of young women diagnosed with breast cancer finding the abnormality themselves.

Itty titty stickies are here to make sure you check your chest, breasts and pecs regularly and at the point of your cycle when you’re least affected by hormonal changes. The more we check, the more likely we are to spot things early, saving lives. So, while these stickies may be itty, they can make enormous changes.

Getting your Itty Titty Stickies

To get your stickies, either pop into your nearest participating Superdrug store or get a free pack when you order your contraceptive pill online. It’s that simple.

An image of a Superdrug store covered in Itty titty Stickies to raise breast cancer awareness.

How to check your chests, breasts and pecs!

There’s no wrong way to check yourself out. Whether that’s in the shower, in front of your mirror or when you’re lying in bed. It’s all good, as long as you know what to feel for and do so regularly. Here’s a list of our top tips to get the most out of checking your chest.

1. Know what feels normal

Everyone’s breasts are different, and yours might not feel the same as someone else's, but that doesn’t always mean something is wrong. Take time to feel your chest and learn how it normally feels. The better you know your breasts, the easier it will be to feel if anything changes.

2. Keep it consistent

You should check in on your chest at least once a month, so you’ll notice any changes quickly. And by examining more regularly, you’ll also get used to how your breasts feel so you’ll know if something has changed right away.

3. When in doubt, get it checked out.

If you notice a change or you’re not quite sure, you should speak to your doctor. Getting a check-up is quick and easy, and they’ll be able to give you a full examination and advice if needed.

4. Learn what to look out for

Breast cancer isn’t always just a lump, so learning the different symptoms puts you in a better position to spot an issue. It can cause changes to the shape and texture of your breasts, and can even cause changes to your nipples.

If you experience any of the following you should see your GP:

a new lump or new area of thickened tissue in either breast
a swelling or lump in either of your armpits
changes to the shape or size of one or both breasts
change to the skin on your breasts, such as puckering, redness or a rash
discharge from either of your nipples
changes in the appearance of either nipple like becoming inverted or your skin developing a rash, crust or scale like texture.

The pill and breast cancer

The contraceptive pill has helped millions of women across the globe by protecting them from unwanted pregnancies. However, as with most medications, there may be side effects. One of these downsides is that the contraceptive pill slightly increases your risk of developing breast cancer. This risk isn’t big enough to make the pill unsafe for most women, but you should know about it to make sure you’re checking yourself regularly and know what to look out for.

Does the pill increase the risk of breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. According to Breast Cancer Now, it affects 1 in 7 women in their lifetime.

Research shows that taking the combined contraceptive pill can slightly increase your risk of getting breast cancer while you are taking it, but the risk reduces when you stop taking the pill and returns to normal after 10 years.

To put things in perspective, for every 10,000 women who have never taken the combined pill about 100 will get breast cancer by the time they are 45 years old. This rises to 110 in 10,000 for women who take the combined pill for 5 years in their early thirties.

The reason the combined pill slightly increases your risk of getting breast cancer is because it contains the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones can cause the growth and development of breast cancer cells, but can actually reduce your risk of other cancers such as ovarian and womb cancer.

The mini pill contains only progesterone and there is currently not enough evidence to say whether or not it increases your risk of developing breast cancer.

I have a family history of breast cancer - should I take the pill?

You may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer if you have a family history of it. As taking the pill also increases the risk of breast cancer, it is important to chat with your doctor about your contraceptive options to make sure you get the safest option for you.

Whether or not it is appropriate for you to take the pill depends on the exact details of your family history.

If you are advised not to take the pill, your doctor can advise on other contraceptive options that do not involve taking hormones such as condoms, the coil (IUD) or diaphragm.