Blending in perfectly with the blushing stadium were thousands of fans who enhanced their traditional cricketing gear with their support of the cancer campaign.

Bidvest Wanderers has hosted numerous prestigious events in the past such as the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, 2009 Indian Premier League, 2009 ICC Champions Trophy and a number of memorable One Day Internationals and Test matches. It was therefore fitting that this premier venue played host to a successful campaign which saw an estimated 19 000 fans attend today’s play. As Bidvest pledged to donate R20 for every person who attended the days play, a total amount close to R380 000 was raised for the selected charities of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and The McGrath Foundation.

A mobile testing unit was at the ground as well as shave and spray stations. To assist in the education of the disease and the early detection of it, pamphlets and information brochures were disseminated to the fans.

For media personality Brad Brown, the fight against cancer is a personal one after he sadly lost his mother to breast cancer two years ago.
“Hats off to Bidvest for creating and activating the Proudly Pink Campaign. Early detection can save lives and I’m confident that this campaign has communicated that message to a greater number of South Africans, hopefully achieving its aim of reducing the number of women who suffer from this disease.”

In turning Bidvest Wanderers pink on Saturday, Bidvest partnered with the Gauteng Cricket Board, Cricket South Africa and SAB. Bidvest Group CE Brian Joffe was satisfied that they had in part achieved their mission of creating a greater awareness of breast cancer;

“We are overwhelmed by the number of fans dressed in pink today, clearly showing their support for the Bidvest Proudly Pink Campaign. We are grateful to our partners as well as both charities for assisting in making this initiative a success. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the supporters of this campaign as well as to the Bidvest Wits team who contributed to the Proudly Pink Campaign by wearing pink kits in their PSL match against Orlando Pirates today.”

Although most people diagnosed with the disease have no prior family history of breast cancer, the risk is higher where there is a family history of this cancer. The earlier the diagnosis takes place, the better the prognosis.

Early detection of breast cancer includes:
• Yearly mammograms beginning at age 40, but earlier if you have a family history of the disease. Once you start having mammograms, it is important to have previous mammography images available for comparison to your current exam.
• Consult your physician about planning your personal schedule for mammograms and yearly physical examinations.
• Perform breast self-exams monthly.
• See your physician immediately if you notice any unusual changes, abnormalities or lumps in your breast, even if you’ve had a normal mammogram.