DURBAN - Virgin Active and Independent Media hosted #SurvivorSweatSesh in support of breast cancer survivors for October Awareness Month.
The same outdoor event was hosted in four different locations namely Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town. In Durban, about 30 people attended the event at Virgin Active at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
The aim of the event was to showcase commitment by South Africans, organisations, and healthcare providers to raise awareness about the disease, while promoting early detection and education on the subject.
Salma Bhayat, 44, of Musgrave, Durban, who is a breast cancer survivor, said her fitness had helped her health.
Bhayat said she had always been a healthy person and a regular visitor to the gym and a runner.
“I had already accepted my illness and I only needed to apply a positive mindset and convince myself that it was not a death sentence. This gave me something to look forward to even after my operation. I still motivate myself to keep trying for my body to be healthy. Cancer is difficult to go through but with the latest technology it is easier for it to be detected. Therefore I am happy for such events to educate people about such,” said Bhayat.
Morné van Wyk, 42, a South African professional cricketer who has played in 17 One-Day Internationals for the Proteas, said he hoped males could fight the stigma around breast cancer.
“I am at an age where we know that prostate cancer can affect more men in their forties but I am also aware that breast cancer affects men as well. We like to pose ourselves as strong and healthy even when we are not. Through such events I believe men should note the importance of the illness for safety of their families, partners and themselves as well,” said van Wyk.
Nikki Cockcroft, Global Chief Marketing and Technology Officer for Virgin Active said: “When we were approached by INL, we immediately knew that this awareness campaign and the celebration of those brave South Africans who have fought and beaten breast cancer was very closely aligned to our commitment to live an active and healthy life,” said Cockcroft.
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