To coincide with World Cancer Day which is being commemorated today (February 4), South African men are being urged to man up and get themselves educated about testicular and prostate cancer.
Gerda Strauss, the head of service delivery at the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa), said: “Any man over 40 should get checked regularly.
“The most common signs and symptoms of this cancer include lumps, swelling and pain in the testicles and scrotum.”
World Cancer Day this year comes just a few weeks before the annual Daredevil Run, where thousands of men wearing nothing but takkies and purple Speedos, will jog through Johannesburg to focus attention on these male-specific cancers.
Hollard Insurance hosts the annual run as part of its drive to ensure a better future for more people and believes that the run helps people live healthier, happier lives.
“Initially, only a few men dared to pound the streets in their Speedos, but the event has grown and the thousands of men that now join this fun event every year are helping to spread the serious message that silence isn’t golden where cancer is concerned,” she said.
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Strauss added that this year will be the 10th run, and it will take place on March 13, starting from Zoo Lake in Johannesburg and she encourages every Joburg male, irrespective of age, to sign up and join the run, and to become aware of their role in combating this disease.
“Instead of running away from cancer, they can man up and run in a campaign to fight it,” she said.
Any participant over 40 will have the option of having a free PSA blood test for prostate cancer when they collect their entry pack, or on the day itself.
“Last year, over 300 of the almost 4 000 runners took the test and 12 were referred for a follow-up.
“That could mean that 12 lives were saved, and their families spared from the agony of needlessly losing a husband, a father, a brother or a son,” Strauss added.
The Daredevil Run not only raises awareness of the disease but also raises money to fund ongoing male cancer testing.
Eighty percent of the proceeds from entry fees will go to Cansa for testing, counselling and educating men in mostly underprivileged communities, while the remaining 20 per cent goes to the Prostate Cancer Foundation to support awareness programmes.
Runners over 18 are asked to donate a minimum of R100 to enter, plus R50 for an obligatory Speedo (although previous runners can just wear their old ones) and R10 for ticket administration.
