Johannesburg men run in purple briefs to raise prostate cancer awareness

A crowd of men ran through Johannesburg in purple swim briefs on Friday to raise awareness about prostate cancer. They were taking part in the Hollard Daredevil Race, an annual event that seeks to draw attention to what researchers say is now the most common cancer in South Africa.

According to the organizers, prostate cancer is not a topic often discussed openly among South African men, despite most of them being at very high risk of being diagnosed with it.

One of the participant Motaung Lehasa said, "I lost two brothers with because of prostate cancer. So it was very important to me to be here today, no matter how condition of the weather is. It's very hot in Gauteng, but I decided to be part of this."

According to 2023 study among Black men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the Free State province, published in the National Library of Medicine, fewer than one in four had even heard of prostate cancer before their diagnosis. Another study in the same year among men in Limpopo province found that almost two-thirds had inadequate awareness about prostate cancer.

More than 80% had no knowledge about screening methods.

Despite the growing incidence, awareness about prostate cancer remains worryingly low in South Africa. Another study in the same year among men in Limpopo found that almost two-thirds had inadequate awareness about prostate cancer, while more than 80% had no knowledge about screening methods.

Some of the men talking part in the race said they were cancer survivors and encouraged others to be screened.

Related articles

South African author defends use of AI to write her books

Woman, 65, killed in shark attack at South African beach

South African pastor, wife arrested after 200 found in suspected illegal rehab centre

From the same country

South Africa's bilateral trade with China surges after zero-tariff deal

South Africa: Dwindling support for ANC amid service delivery chaos

South Africa water crisis: Over 500 fall ill amid contamination fears

01:40

South African author defends use of AI to write her books

Woman, 65, killed in shark attack at South African beach

South African pastor, wife arrested after 200 found in suspected illegal rehab centre

00:53

South Africa's bilateral trade with China surges after zero-tariff deal

02:09

South Africa: Dwindling support for ANC amid service delivery chaos

01:10

South Africa water crisis: Over 500 fall ill amid contamination fears

01:40

South African author defends use of AI to write her books

Woman, 65, killed in shark attack at South African beach

South African pastor, wife arrested after 200 found in suspected illegal rehab centre

00:53

South Africa's bilateral trade with China surges after zero-tariff deal

02:09

South Africa: Dwindling support for ANC amid service delivery chaos

01:10

South Africa water crisis: Over 500 fall ill amid contamination fears

NEWS 01:09 Former president Thabo Mbeki denies ordering cover-up of apartheid-era crimes

NEWS 00:53 Pope Leo XIV thanks faithful for prayers at first appearance since surgery

NEWS

01:04

Vatican releases first images of Pope Leo XIV since his surgery

NEWS 01:24 Well-wishers rally behind Pope Leo XIV as he recovers from cancer surgery

NEWS

01:00

Pope Leo XIV has cancerous tumour removed from right lung

NEWS

01:32

Heightened security at anti-immigrant hotspots in South Africa

01:30

Nigeria

Nigeria's Tinubu defends policies as he launches re-election bid

01:13

Gabon

Gabon restores social media access after an eight-month ban

01:01 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia's Riyadh airport partially resumes flights after Houthi attacks