Johannesburg men run in purple briefs to get other men screened
The Hollard Daredevil Run puts prostate cancer, South Africa's most common cancer, out in the open. Studies show many men know little about it.
Johannesburg — Crowds of men ran through Johannesburg in purple briefs on Friday, 23 October, for the annual Hollard Daredevil Run, which draws attention to prostate cancer and urges men to get screened, Africanews (AP) reports.
Why it matters
Researchers describe prostate cancer as the most common cancer in South Africa, yet organisers say it is rarely talked about openly. Studies show how much awareness is needed:
- A 2023 Free State study of Black men diagnosed with the disease found fewer than one in four had heard of it before diagnosis.
- A 2023 Limpopo study found nearly two-thirds of men had inadequate awareness, and more than 80% knew nothing about screening.
Running for their brothers
Participant Motaung Lehasa, who lost two brothers to prostate cancer, said it mattered to take part despite the Gauteng heat. Several runners were survivors themselves and urged other men to get checked early, when the disease is most treatable.
Source: Africanews, 23 October 2026.
