A local Kagiso based cancer organisation, Walkable Journey recently organised an 8KM Cancer Awareness Campaign.
The walk was observed as part of Breast cancer awareness month commemorated during the month of October, to create awareness about breast cancer.
The organisation held the walk in partnership with different stakeholders such as Grant Theft, Ma Medi Anthwembu, Choko5 and Aganang Medical Suppliers.
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It drew hundreds of residents who wore colourful tutu skirts and rainbow colours at the Kagiso Recreation Centre to support the walk and raise their voice for the cause.
Founder of Walkable Journey, Joyce Machuisa said, “The number speak for itself as over 500 women and girls took part today in the fun walk.
“It tells us that more women and girls are getting information regarding cancer and they visit doctors or nearest clinics for check-ups which is good because in the past our people were ignorant of this disease.”
The organisers aimed at hosting more awareness campaigns in the future to educate people more about cancer, starting from schools to holding public walks with the support of local businesses.
She said continuous awareness about the dreaded diseases was vital in saving lives especially in black townships where the stigma was still prevalent due to lack of information and limited access to health facilities.
According to the National Cancer Registry, one in 26 women is at risk of developing breast cancer in South Africa.
There is also a growing concern that most women present with late stages of cancer and keeping this in mind, the organisers also wanted to encourage all women from different walks of life both young and old to be very conscious about their health.
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Different NGOs hoped not to only use the day to educate the public on how to live a healthier lifestyle but to urge communities to step forward and get checked. This they said would save the people from aggressive treatment often required to fight the disease.
Cancer survivor, Raynold Makhutle who took part in the walk said, “I myself a cancer survivor and I live a healthy life style because of getting more information, taking my medication and regularly visiting the doctor.
“I encourage all women to go and check-up and don’t be discourage if you find out that you have cancer, there are centres that can help you with counselling and medication.”
