South African men hold awareness runs for prostate cancer

Men in Johannesburg and Mbombela participated in awareness runs to promote prostate and testicular cancer screening. In Johannesburg, participants joined the Hollard Daredevil Race, wearing purple swim briefs to draw attention to prostate cancer, which researchers identify as the most common cancer in South Africa.

In Mbombela, the Daredevil Foundation organized a five-kilometre run from Ilanga to Riverside Mall. Organizers emphasized the importance of body confidence and open communication to encourage early detection. Medical professionals, including Dr. Goodman Maleni, advised men over the age of 40 to prioritize regular screenings, which may include rectal examinations and prostate-specific antigen blood tests.

Studies indicate that awareness remains low in South Africa. Research from 2023 showed that in the Free State province, fewer than one in four Black men diagnosed with prostate cancer had heard of the disease prior to diagnosis. Similarly, in Limpopo, nearly two-thirds of men had inadequate awareness, and over 80% had no knowledge of screening methods.