The event, held at the Air Force Base Hoedspruit Sports Ground, was to promote early detection of cancer, support those affected by the disease, and raise funds for research purposes. The acting commanding officer of the AFB, Col Enrico Gherbavaz, welcomed and thanked the members of the AFB for supporting the initiative and for their positive contribution towards the programme.

Gherbavaz also thanked the coordinators and sponsors of the event including Hoedspruit Spar, Manzi, and Maruleng Local Municipality’s traffic department. Lt Col Johannes Lebese, the officer in charge of the health centre, highlighted the impact of education on breast cancer and the risk factors associated, as well as stressing the importance of regular screening that must start at the age of 40.

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“Breast cancer screening with mammograms saves lives,” he said. “It doesn’t prevent cancer, but it can help detect cancer at an early stage when it’s more treatable,” he said. Lebese further stated that some of the symptoms of breast cancer are discomfort, an inverted nipple, a lump in the breast or armpit, nipple discharge, common redness or swollen lymph nodes.

Participants then started the eightkilometer walk from the AFB to Hoedspruit town holding placards and banners as part of their awareness programme, said Flt Sgt Sebolaise Mehlape, corporate communication practitioner at the AFB.