Cancer is an ever-increasing crisis in South Africa. Shockingly, the World Health Organisation estimates that 1.1m new cancer cases are reported in Africa every year, with 700 000 cancer-related deaths.
South African women have a staggering one-in-a-lifetime risk of developing cancer.
On October 20, Bridgestone Southern Africa presented PinkDrive, an organisation dedicated to promoting awareness for early detection of gender-related cancer, with a R500 000 cheque at their Vorna Valley head office.
For the past 10 years, Bridgestone has supported PinkDrive through its ‘pink valve caps’ programme.
Noelene Kotschan founded PinkDrive in 2009 to provide early detection of cancers, especially breast, cervical, prostate, and testicular cancers.
These gender-related cancers are highly treatable, particularly when detected early.
PinkDrive targets people in underprivileged areas who lack adequate access to screening from government health services and cannot afford private healthcare.
Chantal Baxter, operations manager of wholesale at Bridgestone Southern Africa, declared, “South Africa has the third-highest mortality rate from cancer in Africa, after Nigeria and Egypt, so PinkDrive’s work in early detection is significant and one that we are proud to support.”
The company’s ongoing contribution of R500 000 to PinkDrive is the outcome of its Pink Valve campaign, which raises funds by selling pink valve caps directly to the public, tyre dealers, and at motorsport events.
PinkDrive has educated 445 175 women on breast health and conducted an equal number of 431 712 clinical examinations to date.
Nearly 12 640 men have been educated about breast cancer, with 3 590 clinical examinations performed, while nearly 19 482 men have received a PSA test for prostate cancer.
Nelius Du Preez, national marketing and events coordinator at PinkDrive, said, “Our work is bringing cancer screening to thousands of South Africans by enabling the early detection of treatable gender-related cancers.
“Bridgestone’s support over the years is invaluable to us. We extend our thanks to the Bridgestone team for their unwavering commitment to this worthy cause.”
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