1 in 26 women will be affected by breast cancer
Meet some of the breast cancer survivors.
The 5 and 8 km iThemba Walkathon took place at Marks Park late last month. The walk paved the street with pink tutus, pink socks, pink wigs, wings, butterfly Alice bands and everything pink.
The initiative started in 2006 with the goal of generating awareness about breast cancer in the country.
It has been recorded that 32 000 individuals participated in this event two weeks ago.
Well-known celebrities like Lillian Dube, Penny Lebyane, Kaya FM presenters Mapaseka Mokwele, Skhumba and Collin Kgari, Mpho Maboi, Thandi Matlaila and former Amakhosi shot-stopper, Rowen Fernandez also attended the breast cancer awareness event. After the walk, participants gathered on the grounds for some entertainment from DJ duo, Rhythm Sessions, Encore, Just Themba and Blacque Soul.
- Related Story: Crusade against breast cancer
For Avon Justine to reach as many women as possible, they partnered with Woman&Home, eTV, Kaya FM, NGO’s Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), Wings of Hope and Look Good…Feel Better.
With all of these partners, the event happened to be the largest of its kind in over 50 Avon markets.
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer amongst women in South Africa and, according to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), 1 in 26 women will be affected by the disease.
The organisation also notes that when detected early there is an up to 98 percent chance of survival. “Our key focus is to educate women and thereby increase the chances of early detection,” said Vicky Saunders-Flaherty, communications and events manager of Avon Justine.
- Related Story: Avon Justine walk against cancer, Marks Park
“All our work with our NGO partners as well as through this event is geared towards that single-minded objective,” she added.
Avon Justine had announced that they have raised over R23 million which forms part of the Avon Justine iThemba Crusade of Hope breast cancer education programme.
The company has also raised an additional R7 million towards its Speak Out Against Domestic Violence programme which aims to tackle gender-based violence in the country. Men, women, children and dogs all actively participated in this annual walkathon.
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