THE second Pink Phoenix Cancer Foundation’s Tutus and Tekkies 5km Fun Run/Walk kicked off this morning, turning the uMhlanga promenade into a sea of pink.
Despite the pink, which is the international colour for breast cancer awareness, Sharon van Straaten, the founder of the organisation, said the event was launched to highlight all kinds of cancer.
The uMhlanga resident added that they also planned to launch a similar event to specifically highlight prostate cancer in November.
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“There is a lot more awareness and discussion around breast cancer, but not enough about men’s cancer – especially prostate cancer,” she said.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer that affects South African men. According to the National Cancer Registry, one in 18 men are likely to be diagnosed with the disease.
Fortunately, with early detection the patient has a 95 per cent survival rate.
“This is why these events are so important,” added the event organiser, Cathy Van Lill.
Check out our gallery of the event here.
“To get people talking and to make the subject less taboo. It is about creating awareness and encouraging people to be open, and to gain some understanding of the devastating disease; how you can prevent it, how to cope and how to fight it,” she said.
“Our aim is to also to create a sense of support and to let people know that they are not alone and that there is a life after cancer” said Van Lill who is still undergoing treatment for stage four breast cancer.
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