Dr K’s Breast Checker-A must have app for all women with an iPhone/iPod

With spring already underway, Australian women are being asked to spring into action and take charge of their health with the launch of Australia’s first iPhone application to help women of all ages become more breast aware.

The first of its kind in Australia, Dr K’s Breast Checker will help prompt women to conduct regular self-breast checks with its unique interactive tools helping identify any changes in their breasts, as well as automated reminders for monthly breast checks.  The application also provides important information on what to do if a change is found.

Developed in consultation with breast health specialists from the Breast Cancer Institute as well as leading breast cancer support charities, the McGrath Foundation and the Breast Cancer Foundation of Western Australia, Dr K’s Breast Checker is the latest tool to help women to take control of their health and become breast aware.

Dr Kath Giles, a Perth-based doctor otherwise known as Dr K, came up with the concept for the iPhone application after realising there was a need to reach people more broadly with the breast awareness message in a way in which they feel comfortable.

“With the busy lives that we lead today, it’s easy to forget what you felt or saw the last time you checked your breasts. It’s also well-known that early detection of breast changes gives women the best opportunity for successful treatment if the changes are related to breast cancer.

“Over 1.5 million iPhone, iPod Touch and iPads are currently being used in Australia1 and with an iPhone application for just about everything, I saw an opportunity to help educate women on how to be more breast aware by developing an application with an interactive guide on how to do their breast check, as well as a mechanism that helps track changes found from previous breast checks, advising them to see their GP if they find a change.  It also serves as an automatic reminder for these women to do their monthly breast checks, getting them into a positive health routine.

Dr K’s Breast Checker iPhone application is available for download from iTunes for $2.49, with 55c from the sale of each application shared between the McGrath Foundation and the Breast Cancer Foundation of Western Australia.

Visit iTunes at www.apple.com/au/itunes and search Dr K.  Alternatively, visit www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au or www.breastcancer.org.au and click the Dr K’s Breast Checker icon to be redirected to the purchase point.