​Tebogo Tladi

In commemoration of 
Cancer Month, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) hosted 
their annual Pink Walk at the facility last Friday. 


Under 
the theme #PitchUpInPink an estimated 400 participants, clad in pink, 
took part in the 3km walk around the hospital in efforts to raise greater 
awareness around the disease.
Speaking of the significance of the 
initiative, hospital CEO, Gladys Bogoshi said: “Today, is truly a monumental day 
for us as a hospital.  After hosting the Pink Walk for the past 
three years, I can gladly say that we are growing significantly in driving the 
message to the public.”
“This 
year, our emphasis is on early detection as diagnosis of breast cancer breeds a 
far higher chance of a positive outcome.  The aim is to contribute 
towards a quicker diagnosis, through 
awareness and education.  And added purpose of the day, is to 
appeal to our male counterparts to also start being mindful of the disease as 
its also prevalent in men,” she added. 
For breast cancer 
survivor, Phindile Ndlovu (65) the walk personified her own personal journey 
with the disease.  The pensioner was diagnosed with breast cancer 
in 2014 after she confesses to not paying attention to a reoccurring lump on her 
right breast.
“I wish to encourage 
all; young and old, to test themselves regularly for any irregularities and 
lumps on their breasts to detect a looming cancer in time for medical 
intervention.  I’ve had an extensive 
battle with the disease, as a result of ignoring the symptoms six years ago but 
glad it was early stages and managed to undergo laser treatment in the nick of 
time.  I dedicate my walk today to all those affected by the 
disease,” said the pensioner.
The 
walk was in partnership with Cricket South Africa, AfriSam, Momentum, Sun 
International, Imperial, Estee Lauder, The Star newspaper and Unjani 
Clinic.
All 
proceeds from the Pink Walk will go towards the 
hospital’s Breast Clinic.
The 
CMJAH Breast Clinic is a surgical clinic that provides a specialised breast 
service to various hospitals and primary healthcare clinics within the Gauteng 
province’s referral cluster and diagnoses more than 350 new breast 
cancer cases a year.