The third annual BIODERMA Skin Health Circuit event concluded its final stage in Durban. The event was held under the slogan 'Catch the rays, not the risk,' emphasizing the need for protection against the harmful effects of sun exposure even on sunny days.
The events combined a 5 km run for the community with the opportunity to receive a free skin screening. Similar events took place at Sandton Gate in Johannesburg and at La Lucia mall in Durban, as well as in Cape Town, where participants ran on a flat route around the Canal Walk mall, organized by Sunday Shuffle.
The Sunday Shuffle team created a positive and energetic atmosphere by conducting warm-ups before the start. Running near shopping centers provided a sense of security, allowing participants to record videos and take photos because the surface was smooth and paved, which eliminated the risk of tripping over cracks or uneven pavement.
These events had significant health benefits, considering that South Africa has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, registering about 20,000 cases and 700 deaths annually. Therefore, early detection and screening are of paramount importance.
BIODERMA provided free examinations as part of the event, and participation did not require running 5 km; there was a separate portal for booking screenings, which many shoppers utilized.
A total of 306 people were examined, with the highest number of participants recorded in Cape Town. Forty-eight suspicious lesions were identified, and approximately one in six examined (15.7%) required further evaluation.
The highest percentage of suspicious lesions was recorded in Johannesburg (18.9%), followed by Durban (16.2%) and Cape Town (12.7%). This data underscores the importance of early diagnosis and the relevance of such initiatives for risk reduction.
By combining a fun run, camaraderie, and a friendly examination process, checking for the risk of skin cancer became a much less frightening prospect. The BIODERMA and Sunday Shuffle teams contributed to boosting morale.