World Cancer Day, an initiative led by UICC, is observed annually on February 4 to raise awareness, improve education and inspire action at personal, collective, and governmental levels. This global movement seeks to push cancer awareness to the forefront of health and development agendas, PinkDrive says.

The 2025 World Cancer Day theme, 'United by Unique', underscores the collective responsibility to fight cancer while embracing individuality, says PinkDrive.

PinkDrive adds that this aligns with its mission to educate communities and encourage early screening, which is crucial for improved treatment outcomes.

In addition to the funding from BD, the support of sponsors, including Pick 'n Pay Clothing, Vumatel, Sandton Plant Hire, Spar South Rand, Clover, Lancet Laboratories, Biohelix, aQuelle, Oasis, Bidvest Prestige, Marketing 2 the Max, Lomaen, The Indaba Hotel, Boxer Stores and media partner 947, PinkDrive says that it will offer free screenings for breast, cervical and prostate cancer, along with lung function assessments. These services will be delivered through mobile medical units staffed by skilled professionals.

Bridging the Cancer Care Gap

As a leading non-governmental organisation, PinkDrive, alongside its partner More Balls Than Most (MBTM), is committed to raising awareness about gender-related cancers in South Africa. Through partnerships with Vertice, Aspen, The Embassy of Japan, Campaigning for Cancer, CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation and other civil organisations, PinkDrive is working to address urgent healthcare needs in underserved communities, adds PinkDrive. 

Collaboration across government, public, private and non-profit sectors remains essential in closing the cancer care gap. PinkDrive says that its mission is clear: to ensure that uninsured individuals have access to cancer screening services, guided by the belief that "early detection can help prolong a life."

"South Africans must prioritise proactive health measures for a healthier future," says Noelene Kotschan, CEO and Founder of PinkDrive.

"Unfortunately, stigma, limited awareness and inadequate access to screening often result in late diagnoses. While cancer treatments are increasingly effective, early detection remains the best way to improve survival rates, reduce treatment costs and enhance outcomes. We are honoured to partner with the City of Johannesburg to expand screening opportunities in the public health sector," Kotschan adds.

"BD is honoured to collaborate with PinkDrive in the fight against cancer in South Africa. We firmly believe that through our collective efforts and robust partnerships, we can significantly reduce the impact of cancer on women and men in South Africa. PinkDrive's invaluable services, including education and awareness, screening and linkage to care, are crucial in improving outcomes and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with breast, cervical and prostate cancer," says Ian Wakefield, General Manager, BD (Becton Dickinson) South Africa.

"We hereby urge all stakeholders to unite in this imperative battle," Wakefield adds.

VIP attendance of the event includes:

  • Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla
  • MEC for Health in Gauteng, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko
  • MMC Health and Social Development City of Johannesburg, Cllr Ennie Makhafola, and
  • Cllr Ando Kai, Embassy of Japan.

"Cancer is a growing health and socio-economic challenge in South Africa, many cancer deaths are preventable through immunisation, lifestyle changes, early detection and timely treatment. Our goal is to prevent as many people as possible from succumbing to breast, cervical, prostate and testicular cancer," concludes Kotschan.

Free Screening and Education Services

  • Date: Tuesday, 4 February.
  • Time: 08:30 to 15:30.
  • Venue: Slovoville Clinic and Recreation Centre, Soweto.

Services provided include:

  • free mammograms, pap smears and clinical breast examinations
  • prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for men
  • lung function assessments
  • HIV / AIDS testing, and
  • general health screenings and education.

For more information, visit www.pinkdrive.org. You can also follow PinkDrive on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor