Families and friends should encourage their menfolk to overcome their reluctance to go for regular cancer screening, says Maureen Botha, the Nelson Mandela Bay district manager for the Eastern Cape Health Department.
Speaking at the handover of R570 000 in proceeds from the 2017 Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer presented by the Eastern Cape Department of Health, she said that 69 per cent of the participants in the 2017 event were women.
These figures are mirrored by the ratio of men to women who are screened for cancer by the department.
“Men are often scared to go for screening. They need to understand that the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chances of it being treated successfully.
“That is why we are encouraging family members and friends to bring their menfolk to events like the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer,” she said.
The R570 000 raised in 2017 was divided between local cancer Non-Profit Organisations, CHOC (Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa), CANSA (The Cancer Association of South Africa) and Igazi Foundation.
Heatherbank Primary School was included as a beneficiary, to assist with the upgrading of the school’s sporting facilities. Sport helps promote a healthy lifestyle.
The school is a non-profit organization that offers quality education to leaners primarily from Walmer Township.
“The Eastern Cape Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture which was a sponsor of the 2017 Big Walk, places great value in encouraging schools to participate in sport as a way of encouraging a healthy lifestyle,” says Dave Tiltmann, the Managing Director of Algoa FM.
“Heatherbank Primary School has been chosen as a beneficiary, by Algoa FM, to further develop their sports fields. This will aid in the school’s effort to continue healthy lifestyles by encouraging learners to be active.”
Algoa FM has been nominated as a finalist in the 2018 Liberty Awards for the Big Walk for Cancer, which it has supported since the inception of the event 20 years ago.
The station is nominated in the Community Project – Commercial and Promotion Stunt/Event categories.
Also present at the handover were the 2017 Big Walk ambassadors, Yolanda Bukani and Megan Hayward.
The ambassadors applauded the effort made by Algoa country by simply stating, “thanks for all the support by those who have participated in the walk,” said Yolandi Bukani.
“Your participation supports the fight against cancer and that means a lot to anyone who has overcome their battle with cancer, or who is currently fighting it,” added Megan Hayward.
