All men challenged by Daredevil Run

PARKTOWN – Hollard and the Cancer Association of South Africa will host the 9th annual Daredevil Run to create awareness for prostate cancers.

February 9, 2017

Gaahele Mokgoro 1 minute read

David Lucas tells his cancer story to create awareness.

PARKTOWN – When David Lucas found out that he had prostate cancer it took him by surprise as he had gone to the doctor to seek attention for a sore finger.

“I had no symptoms at all except for my finger and I initially thought that it may just be arthritis. I already knew I had gout and I was managing that,” Lucas said.

He was fortunate that doctors caught his cancer in its early stages and was given treatment. Fast forward five years later and Lucas is healthy and an active citizen who now speaks to other men to encourage them to get tested for prostate cancer.

Lucas spoke at the Hollard Daredevil Run 2017 briefing that was held in Parktown. Hollard and the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) held the briefing to announce the 2017 Daredevil Run where the 9th annual male-only race would be used to highlight the importance of men getting tested for testicular and prostate cancer.

While the run has a remarkably positive impact on cancer awareness around the country, statistics indicate a high increase in male cancer around South Africa. According to research from the National Cancer Registry, there has been a 32 per cent increase in prostate cancer cases in the past year, with one in 19 men at risk of developing prostate cancer in their lifetime.

And while figures for testicular cancer have declined, the number of men diagnosed with the disease is still alarmingly high. However, testicular cancer and other cancers can be treated if they are detected early enough.

The 5km run aims to create awareness about these cancers while at the same time raising funds for the Cansa MANVan which travels around South Africa screening men for cancer.

Last year alone, the MANVan reached and screened an impressive 8 112 men throughout the country. At last year’s run more than 100 men were sent for further testing after being screened at the event.