Think pink: 5 Cape Town events in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

If you happened to catch this past weekend’s match between the Stormers and Sharks at DHL Stadium, you probably saw the cheeky “I Love Boobies” pitch message. The breast cancer initiative is part of the larger ILoveBoobies campaign, marking October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

A non-profit organisation, ILoveBoobies estimates that 47, 000 women a year are diagnosed with breast cancer in South Africa. Only 10,000 receive an official diagnosis. The NPO provides free breast health education, clinical breast examinations and diagnostic referrals to women in underserved communities. 

Effective imaging also remains a challenge. “On average, one in eight women will develop breast cancer. Regular, precise and reliable imaging can help save lives through early identification and treatment of breast cancer,” commented Dr Peter Schoub, president of the Breast Imaging Society of South Africa.

“But the first crucial step is increasing public awareness of the importance of screening,” added Dr Schoub, who is managing director of Parklane Radiology, Africa’s first Breast Imaging Centre of Excellence.

Waving the pink flag

ILoveBoobies is one of several community-driven breast cancer awareness and fundraising initiatives during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Show your support for the Pink Drive by attending any of the following events.

Imagine Challenge

• Thursday, 1 October - Saturday, 31 October
• Venue: Virtual event
• Cost: R675, bookings via ILoveBoobies website

A month-long virtual challenge, the Imagine Challenge is ILoveBoobies’ biggest annual fundraiser. Participants complete their chosen distance or hours during October, wherever they are in the world. Every entry funds one free breast health screening. The challenge is split into two groups: Classic and Ultra. Each consists of running, hiking, cycling, swimming and several other activities.

Time Out tip: This weekend (Sunday, 18 October) will see over 120 runners representing ILoveBoobies at the Nelson Mandela Marathon. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Bootcamp

• Saturday, 17 October, 9am - noon
• Venue: Sea Point
• Cost: R100, bookings via AllEvents

Organised by the Shuffling Walking Team, a volunteer group that hosts annual 5km family fun walks to raise money and awareness for cancer, the Breast Cancer Awareness Bootcamp is a morning of fitness, fun and empowerment. With the dress code A Touch of Pink, there’ll be a special prize for the best dressed.

Breast Cancer Awareness lunch at 12 Apostles

• Thursday, 22 October, noon - 4pm
• Venue: 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa, Victoria Rd, Camps Bay 
• Cost: From R1,250, no under-18s, bookings via Quicket

Platinum Encounters invites guests to a bespoke Breast Cancer Awareness luncheon where heartfelt stories, inspiring conversation and genuine connection come together. Fitting the elegance of the 12 Apostles, the dress theme is pink and white. Each table seats eight guests, with a glass of French champagne on arrival.

A Fitness & Wellness Morning

• Saturday, 24 October, 9am - 2pm
• Venue: Flappie Lochner Hall (Boland Stadium), Fontein St, Wellington 
• Cost: From R250, bookings via Quicket

Derelle Burns and breast cancer survivor Zenique Appollis Samuels host a special Fitness & Wellness Morning for Breast Cancer Awareness, in honour of all the incredible women. The morning of exercise encompasses awareness, wellness, love, strength, sisterhood and the power of women supporting women. Join the duo in helping shed light on breast cancer awareness and celebrate those who have fought, survived and continue to inspire others.

Time Out tip: Motivational speaker Charlene Elliott will be on stage. Charlene is a community leader and advocate for empowering women. 

Bring Jou Kussie - Shades of Pink

• Saturday, 31 October, 6pm - 11:30pm
• Venue: Portland Indoor Centre, CNR of Merrydale Ave, Hazeldene Ave, Portland 
• Cost: From R100, no under-18s, bookings via Quicket

Dress in your best shades of pink and dance the night away to local DJs taking to the decks. Presented by DJ Rollstoel, Bring Jou Kussie is a coolerbox-friendly party. Platters welcome.

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