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South African men are being called to action this month as the Hollard Daredevil Run 2025 returns on 31 October, encouraging early detection of testicular and prostate cancers. Thousands of men will take to Zoo Lake and local routes across the country — wearing only purple Speedos — to raise awareness for men’s health and cancer screening.
What Happened
The Daredevil Run, now a national tradition, aims to break the stigma around male cancers and highlight the importance of monthly self-examinations.
Medical experts warn that while testicular cancer is rare, it’s among the most common cancers in men aged 15–49. The National Cancer Registry (2023) reports a lifetime risk of 1 in 1,749 for South African men.
Doctors urge young men to start testicular self-checks after puberty, ideally after a shower, to spot small lumps that could indicate early cancer.
“Check your balls and make it part of your daily life,” says Dr. Michele Vanzaghi, a 31-year-old Cape Town physician and survivor. “Early diagnosis saved my life, and it can save many others too.”
Another survivor, Charl-Jacquairdo van Helsdingen, now cancer-free after multiple treatments, adds:
“Never give up on yourself. You are not alone in your fight.”
How to Do a Testicular Self-Exam
Follow these three easy steps monthly:
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Stand unclothed before a mirror and check for swelling. |
| 2 | Hold the penis aside and gently roll each testicle between your thumbs and fingers. |
| 3 | Feel for hard lumps, smooth bumps, or size changes. If anything feels unusual, see a doctor immediately. |
👉 More info: How to do a testicular self-exam – CANSA
Hollard Daredevil Run 2025 Details
| Event | Date | Location | Entry Fee | Register |
| Hollard Daredevil Run | 31 October 2025 | Zoo Lake & nationwide 5km routes | R180 (includes purple Speedo) | TicketPro Registration |
Follow the official page: facebook.com/HollardDaredevilRun
More details: hollard.co.za/daredevilrun
Why Early Detection Matters
Early treatment ensures 95–98% cure rates, according to cancer specialists. Regular checks and prompt medical consultation drastically improve survival and reduce treatment complications.
