CANSA will be hosting sunscreen points at every stage of the race and offering free sunscreen to all riders and spectators.

In addition to supplying sunscreen (which goes along with promoting being SunSmart to reduce the cancer risk) another important focus for CANSA at the event will be to screen for skin cancer using a FotoFinder - a mole-mapping dermoscope device.

CANSA’s CEO, Elize Joubert says, “Our CANSA team will host health awareness exhibitions and offer free sunscreen at the Elgin, Worcester and Wellington stages. And we’ll be doing skin cancer mole mapping screening at the Prologue (15 March) and Grand Finale at Meerendal (22 March) with the FotoFinder. We encourage the riders and public to come and get screened and learn how to reduce your risk.”

The event attracts riders from all over the world, each with their own reason for taking part. CANSA has seven teams riding in support of them under the ‘CANSA Active’ group, some of whom are raising money for CANSA through online efforts leading up to the race.

For the second year in a row, Ruben Folgado and Sergio Paz, two cyclists from Spain, who have both been affected by cancer, will ride the Absa Cape Epic in support of the CANSA. Along with them will be teams from Spain, Australia and South Africa.
Gary Samuel Aaron, a cyclist from one of the Australian teams has this to say: “In 2003 my daughter, Sara, who was 3-years-old at the time, was diagnosed with a large brain tumour. After several long surgical procedures and years of rehabilitation she is doing unbelievably well. She is 15 now and such an inspiration, she even summited Kilimanjaro with me last year. She is the reason why I am participating in this race, and doing it for CANSA.”

“For the second year, we have international riders (and more than we had previously) who are riding for CANSA in the Cape Epic. It’s amazing to see people from all over the world join the fight against cancer and support our cause. All of these riders have been affected by cancer in some way and it gives us hope to see how they inspire those around them to join the fight,” continues Joubert.

All of the CANSA Active riders are helping CANSA raise awareness about leading a balanced lifestyle, playing sport safely in the sun as well as providing education on being cancer-aware by encouraging smart choices with regards to diet and lifestyle. CANSA Active also gives riders the opportunity to participate in their favourite sporting activity or race, while raising funds online to support CANSA’s care and support to those affected by cancer.

Malignant melanoma (sometimes referred to as only melanoma) is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and currently accounts for approximately 1% of all cancer deaths. South Africa has one of the highest incidences, if not the highest, of malignant melanoma in the world as far as Caucasians are concerned. Melanoma is caused mainly by intense, occasional UV exposure (frequently leading to sunburn), especially in those who are genetically predisposed to the disease. Cyclist, riders, runners, and anyone who partakes in outdoor sports are exposed to the sun’s UV rays, which can put them at risk for skin cancer.

For more information, visit www.cansa.org.za. Alternatively, visit and like CANSA's page on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.