CANSA shows purple power

PROSTATE cancer is the most common form of cancer among South African men aged 15 to 39, said Cara Noble, The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) KZN divisional services manager last week, as the organisation prepared to host the annual Daredevil Run on Friday, 19 February.

Statistics have revealed that one in 27 South African men run the risk of contracting prostate cancer.

“Yet, very few men are talking about about cancer or even getting tested. There is a lot of awareness surrounding breast cancer and women are talking about cancer, but there is still so much stigma surrounding men’s’ cancer,” she added.

The idea behind the run, she added, was for men to step out of their comfort zones and to take a stand against cancer Durban North resident and Varsity college water polo player, Gareth May, and his fellow team members will be taking part in the daring challenge.

“It is for a good cause. I feel it is important for men who have not taken cancer seriously to be educated on the disease. We need to emphasise that it is a real problem and to make a strong concerted effort to raise awareness,” he said.

All entrants aged 40 and over will receive a free prostrate exam on the day. Men younger than 40 are encouraged to nominate on older family member or friend instead.

All event’s entry fees will be donated to CANSA and used to set up more mobile testing units so that more men can get themselves tested. The test only involves a small finger prick, said Noble.

Entry fees costs R150 per adult and R50 for students. The event will start at 3pm at Bike and Bean on the Durban beachfront.