The Hollard Daredevil Run has done it again – around the country on 1 November, thousands of men in purple speedos ran 5 km to raise awareness about prostate and testicular cancer.
Many suburbs in the Free State too were a sea of purple as runners took to the streets of Bethlehem, Virginia and Bloemfontein.
This nationwide annual phenomenon, started 15 years ago, raises funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa, to be used for testing in under-resourced areas and increase awareness, support and research.
Individuals, corporates, schools, tertiary educational institutions, sports clubs and communities stepped up once again, with an estimated 6 000 runners registering countrywide. Corporate participation in this event has grown year after year, with businesses around the country enabling a culture that sees men talk more openly and take responsibility for their health.
“Wearing a speedo in public requires courage, just as it takes courage to take charge of your health by getting regular screenings and staying informed. The Hollard Daredevil Run is dedicated to every man and boy in South Africa affected by cancer or looking to spread awareness,” said Allistair Khanyi, head of brand and communications at Hollard.
Prostate cancer affect one in six men in their lifetime, and by 2030, it is expected to be the most common cancer among men in South Africa.
Black African men face a 60% higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to other population groups. The survival rate in men whose prostate cancer is detected early enough is 95%.
Although less common, testicular cancer remains the leading cancer among men aged 15 to 35. If treated early, the survival rate for testicular cancer could be as high as 98%.
