Underwear in Brazil will soon sport health-related customized labels - warning wearers to keep on top of their wellbeing.

The Brazilian government has made it compulsory for manufacturers to add customized labels to their products that highlight the dangers of cancer.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the idea of putting anti-cancer labels in Brazilian undergarments was first floated by former congressman Barbosa Neto - 12 years ago.

Following the proposal's ascent into the statute books, bra packaging will now come with a printed label urging women to check for the signs of breast cancer.

While a similar prostate cancer warning will be issued with every pair of boxer shorts and briefs.

The labels will also incorporate advice on safe sex.

Manufacturers which fail to use the printed labels could face substantial fines.

"I think the project will aid in the prevention of these cancers," Sao Paulo gynaecologist Gilberto Gonclaves Gatti told the news provider.

This week, the EU voted in favour of introducing printed labels of real fur and leather products, so consumers were aware of what they were purchasing.

Denny Bros Ltd, 16 May 2011