DAREdevil Run raises cancer awareness

"We encourage all South African men to join forces and 'run cancer outta town' by being a part of the DAREdevil Run. We're hoping to have 5,000 men involved in this adventure," says Carel Nolte, spokesman for Etana who sponsors the event and initiated it five years ago in Johannesburg. "The DAREdevil message is clear: awareness and early detection saves lives. Our aim this year is to radically expand the diversity of age and interests of those who sign up to run this year in eight cities."

With the focus on prostate and testicular cancer, CANSA and Etana aim to make men aware of the
warning signs and ways to reduce their cancer risk. Cancer is one of the main health concerns men face, with one in 24 men being diagnosed with prostate cancer, the most common cancer among South African men. Testicular cancer is most common in men between the ages of 15 and 39.

Prostate tests

CANSA will be taking part at the DAREdevil Run by educating participants about male cancers and performing Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) tests - a simple blood test to help detect prostate cancer with the first 100 tests being free. Free sunscreen will also be provided by CANSA to those taking part.

"We're so excited to see how the DAREdevil Run is helping to get men to take more responsibility for their health," says Sue Janse van Rensburg, CANSA CEO. "This could mean the start of a more active lifestyle for many that would help to reduce their risk for cancer. I would like to urge our menfolk to be brave and join your fellow South Africans in this most fun event. This is a great way to physically show your support in the fight against cancer."

Registration for the run is R100 which includes a red speedo. The full R100 entry fee is going to cancer charities. To register and for more info, go to www.daredevilrun.com.