October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With two weeks left, there are still ways to get involved across Gauteng, from a 5km pink run in Rosebank to a pyjama party in Fourways that raises money for free screening.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among South African women, with a lifetime risk of about 1 in 28, according to CANSA. Every ticket bought, product sold and screening booked helps raise awareness and fund early detection for women who can’t easily get it.
Here’s what’s still on this month, plus easy ways to support the cause and get checked yourself.
Breast Cancer Awareness Events Still To Come In Gauteng
Rosebank Mall 5km Pink Run
Rosebank Mall’s annual Pink Run is one of Johannesburg’s best-known October fundraisers. Run, walk or dance the 5km route, dressed in your brightest pink. It’s open to all ages and fitness levels, so it’s an easy way for families, friends and office teams to take part.
Part of every entry goes to charity, and you can add an extra donation when you book. This year’s listed beneficiary is iLoveBoobies, a non-profit that provides free breast health education and clinical breast exams to women who face financial or other barriers to care.
Date: Saturday, 24 October 2026, from 07:00
Venue: Rosebank Mall, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Tickets: About R100 to R120 for adults and R80 to R100 for children (listings differ, so check the entry page)
Race packs: Collect from Rosebank Mall, Level 4, from 21 to 23 October, or pay for courier delivery
PinkDrive Pyjama Party
Swap your work clothes for pyjamas at this relaxed evening at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways. Funds go to PinkDrive, the non-profit whose mobile units offer free breast cancer screening to women without medical aid.
Expect handmade pizza, limited complimentary wine, a cash bar, live entertainment and prize draws. Beauty and style expert Hannon Bothma will make a guest appearance, and one guest will win a live mini-makeover.
Date: Friday, 30 October 2026, from 18:00 to 21:00
Venue: Indaba Tasting Room, Indaba Hotel, corner of Winnie Mandela Drive and Pieter Wenning Road, Fourways
Tickets: R250 per person. Space is limited, so book ahead.
Bookings: 011 840 6623 or [email protected]
ALSO READ: Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026: Warning Signs and How to Check Your Breasts
Support The Cause While You Shop
Checkers Booberries
Throughout October, Checkers is selling limited-edition Booberries blueberry cups in stores nationwide. For each cup sold, BerryWorld and Checkers together donate R2 to PinkDrive, and Discovery Vitality is making an additional donation. Each cup carries a QR code linking to breast health information.
It’s an easy way to support free screening on your weekly grocery run.
Buy Pink-Ribbon Products
Many retailers stock pink-ribbon products in October, with part of the price going to breast cancer organisations. Check the label to see which charity benefits and how much is donated.
Get Screened This Month
Awareness only helps if it leads to action. The most important thing you can do this October is to get checked.
Free clinical breast exam: Women are entitled to a free clinical breast examination once a year at their local public clinic. If anything unusual is found, the clinic can refer you to a public hospital breast clinic.
CANSA Care Centres: CANSA’s Gauteng Care Centres don’t offer mammograms, but staff can help you with referrals and the public health system at no cost. Call CANSA’s toll-free line on 0800 22 6622, which also offers WhatsApp support in several languages.
PinkDrive mobile units: PinkDrive’s mobile units bring free screening to communities across the province. Follow PinkDrive’s social media channels for their October locations.
Mammograms: CANSA recommends an annual mammogram from age 40, then every two years from 55 (or yearly if preferred). Women at higher risk may need to start earlier, so speak to your doctor.
Don’t wait for a screening event if you notice a change in your breast, such as a lump, skin dimpling, nipple changes or discharge. See a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
How Else You Can Help
- Host your own pink day: Office teams, schools and clubs can hold a pink dress-up day or bake sale and donate the proceeds to CANSA, PinkDrive or another registered breast cancer organisation.
- Donate directly: A once-off or monthly donation to a breast cancer charity helps fund screening, patient support and prostheses.
- Share accurate information: Encourage the women in your life to check their breasts monthly and book a screening.
- Support someone going through treatment: Practical help, such as lifts to appointments, meals and childcare, can make a real difference.
Also This Month: Men’s Cancer Awareness
Men can get breast cancer too, although it’s rare. On Friday, 23 October, the Hollard Daredevil Run takes place in Johannesburg to raise awareness of testicular and prostate cancer, a reminder that October is a good time for the whole family to think about their health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What breast cancer events are on in Gauteng in October 2026?
Coming up are the Rosebank Mall 5km Pink Run on Saturday, 24 October, and the PinkDrive Pyjama Party at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways on Friday, 30 October.
How much is the Rosebank Mall Pink Run?
Entry is about R100 to R120 for adults and R80 to R100 for children. Check the official entry page for final prices.
Where can I get a free breast screening in Gauteng?
Public clinics offer a free annual clinical breast exam, and PinkDrive’s mobile units offer free screening in under-resourced communities. CANSA can help with referrals on 0800 22 6622.
How can I support breast cancer awareness without attending an event?
Buy Booberries at Checkers during October, buy pink-ribbon products, donate to a registered breast cancer charity or host a pink day at work or school.
When should I start having mammograms?
CANSA recommends an annual mammogram from age 40. Women at higher risk should speak to their doctor about starting earlier.
Make October Count
Whether you lace up for the Pink Run, put on your pyjamas for PinkDrive or simply book your own check-up, every action counts. Pick one thing to do before 31 October, and encourage someone you love to do the same.
