In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Gugu Intimates hosted an intimate brunch for 20 women at a boutique hotel, The View.

In an aim to drive awareness around breast health and getting the right bra fit, Gugu Intimates challenged celebrities and the public to get measured and checked in a social media campaign called '#guessmybrasize'.

Guests were then invited to attend a brunch were founder and CEO of Gugu Intimates, Gugu Nkabinde, spoke about why it is important for brands like hers – of African origin – to encourage the conversation on breast health. She also measured each guest. She says a good fitting bra is a crucial part of maintaining breast health. 

Nkabinde adds, "Measuring your cup size, and getting the right size, heightens your sensitivity and awareness of any sudden changes or abnormalities that may otherwise go undetected when experiencing discomfort due to an incorrect bra size." 

In the speech and conversation that followed, the host and guests had a conversation around the theme #LoveYourBust, which offered five tips.

1. Perform self-examinations for a sign of breast cancer

A self-examination can be done by doing the following: 

• Stand in front of a mirror with shoulders straight and hands on hips. Check that breasts and nipples are their usual size, shape, and colour. There should be no swelling, redness, or puckering/distortion;
• Raise arms overhead and repeat the visual examination, looking for any changes in normal breast appearance;
• While still looking at the mirror, look for any fluid or signs of fluid coming out of the nipples;
• Lie down and check each breast with the opposite hand. Place the non-examining hand behind the head;
• Using the pads of the three middle fingers, move hand in small circular motions around the breast. Continue the process over the entire area – from clavicles to rib cage and from armpit to cleavage. Use different amounts of pressure, starting each area with a light touch and progressing to deep pressure before moving on to the next spot; and
• Try the lie-down check while in the tub or standing in the shower. Water reduces friction and makes it easier to feel small irregularities.

2. Get a professional opinion at least once a year

Notice changes as they happen. Get a professional check done with a doctor and to let them know if there have been any changes during the self-checks. 

3. Eat right

Stock up on antioxidant-rich produce to lessen risk – this includes eating dark chocolate.

4. Read up on breast health education, but also talk about it

Organisations such as cansa.org have dedicated research and advice through its 'Women’s Health' campaign, which aims to empower women to take control of their health. This includes women having wider and more open conversations about the importance of good breast care and measuring for well-fitting underwear. 

5. Get measured

Measuring cup sizes and getting the right sized bra is something women are advised to be doing at least once a year. In a Gugu Intimates survey for one of its upcoming range extensions, almost 60% of the respondents said they had not had their bra size measured in over two years. Gugu Intimates offers a no obligation bra size measurement at its retail partnership with Miss Salon London and at its pop up stores.

For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.guguintimates.com. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.