Hundreds of men took to the streets of Johannesburg on Friday, October 23, dressed in eye-catching purple swim briefs for an annual charity race aimed at drawing attention to prostate cancer and encouraging men to take their health seriously.
The event, known as the Hollard Daredevil Race, uses humour and unusual outfits to start conversations about a disease that remains difficult to discuss openly in many communities. Organisers hope the spectacle will prompt more men to learn about prostate cancer, recognise the importance of early detection and seek medical advice when needed.
The campaign comes amid concerns about limited public awareness of the disease in South Africa, where research has found that many men know little about prostate cancer or the available screening options.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Remains a Major Challenge
Despite being a significant health concern, prostate cancer is still unfamiliar to many men in South Africa. Research has highlighted gaps in awareness, particularly among Black men, who face a disproportionate burden from the disease.
A 2023 study involving Black men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the Free State province found that fewer than one in four participants had heard of the illness before receiving their diagnosis.
Another study conducted in Limpopo province during the same year revealed that nearly two-thirds of the men surveyed had limited knowledge of prostate cancer. More than 80% were unfamiliar with screening methods, highlighting the need for stronger public education campaigns.
These findings suggest that many men may not understand their potential risk or know when to speak with a healthcare professional. Health advocates say awareness initiatives can help break down embarrassment and misinformation that sometimes prevent people from seeking medical advice.
Why Early Detection Matters
Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. Some forms of the disease grow slowly, while others can be aggressive and spread beyond the prostate if not identified and treated appropriately.
According to Andrew Oberholzer, chief executive of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, too many men only seek medical attention after the disease has reached an advanced stage.
Early diagnosis can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. The foundation has highlighted that more than 99% of men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer are alive five years later, underscoring the importance of identifying the disease before it spreads.
Screening may involve a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, which measures a protein produced by the prostate. Depending on the individual’s circumstances, a doctor may recommend further assessment.
However, PSA testing is not suitable as an automatic decision for every man. It can produce abnormal results for reasons other than cancer and may lead to additional tests or treatment that is not always necessary. Men should discuss the possible benefits and risks with a qualified healthcare professional.
Cancer Survivors Use Their Experiences to Encourage Others
The Johannesburg event also provided an opportunity for survivors to share their experiences and encourage other men to pay attention to their health.
Among the participants was Riyaad Kriel, a long-distance runner who said he had spent decades running and had also undergone treatment for prostate cancer.
His participation highlighted the message behind the event: a cancer diagnosis does not necessarily mean the end of an active life, and speaking openly about personal experiences can help others feel less isolated.
Survivors can play an important role in awareness campaigns by helping to challenge stigma and showing why seeking medical advice should not be a source of embarrassment.
The organisers’ approach uses a light-hearted public spectacle to draw attention to a serious subject. By making the event visible and memorable, they hope to reach men who might otherwise ignore messages about prostate health.
A Public Campaign With a Serious Message
The purple briefs worn by participants may appear unusual, but the event’s purpose is to get people talking about a condition that is often overlooked in everyday conversations.
Public awareness campaigns can help explain the warning signs, encourage men to learn about their individual risk and promote informed discussions with doctors. They can also draw attention to barriers that prevent people from accessing testing and treatment.
In South Africa, improving awareness is particularly important for communities where research has identified gaps in knowledge about the disease and screening options.
Experts say education must be accompanied by access to healthcare services. Awareness alone cannot ensure early diagnosis if people cannot afford consultations, reach medical facilities or obtain appropriate follow-up care.
The annual Johannesburg race is one way of bringing prostate cancer into public discussion. Its wider impact will depend on whether the attention it generates encourages men to seek reliable information and make informed decisions about their health.
Ultimately, the event sends a message that goes beyond its colourful costumes: talking about prostate cancer, understanding personal risk and consulting healthcare professionals can all form part of taking men’s health seriously.
