ILOVEBOOBIES, a local charity that fills gaps in cancer care with educational tools, early detection services and support, has an all-female team preparing to run in the Nedbank Desert Dash, which is takes place on December 9 and 10 from Windhoek to Swakopmund.

Nedbank Namibia, the largest contributor to the local cycling fraternity, has also pledged to be a charity partner.

ILoveBoobies is a four-member all-girl team consisting of Jana von Backström, Vicky Vosloo, Mimi Hough, and Jonie Peters.

The team will compete in the longest single-stage mountain bike event in the world, which attracts over 900 local and international riders each year.

Von Backström, an avid cyclist, explains that Nedbank Namibia sponsored the team’s entry for the race.

“Our goal is to match registration fees with donations from the public to help ILoveBoobies’ ‘Early Detection Saves Lives’ breast cancer screening program. »

Breast cancer is both the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide.

One in eight women, or about 13% of all women, will develop invasive breast cancer during her lifetime.

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women.

About 85% of breast cancer cases occur in women who have no family history of the disease.

In some countries, up to 30% of women are unaware of breast cancer. Early detection followed by appropriate treatment is recognized globally and in South Africa (Breast Cancer Prevention and Control Policy 2017) as the most effective method of reducing breast cancer mortality.

Most women who die of breast cancer live in low- and middle-income countries, where most women are diagnosed at an advanced stage due to a variety of factors.

“Breast cancer is a serious problem, but through the power of education and awareness, the risk to the lives of our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts and nieces can be drastically reduced. A little known fact is that men get breast cancer too, and although the incidence is lower, anyone with breast tissue is at risk,” says Von Backström.

Significant challenges for people affected by breast cancer include financial barriers, inequity in access to care, and inadequate support.

ILoveBoobies has been operating in Namibia for two years, providing free breast cancer screening to women facing financial hardship.

The scouting program is funded through donations, event registrations, fundraisers and merchandise sales.

ILoveBoobies has an online store offering a variety of running, cycling and leisure items: socks, buffs, cycling jerseys and T-shirts.

The charity has enjoyed incredible support from the Namibian cycling community over the past two years and hopes that support will continue for this year’s Nedbank Desert Dash.

It’s as simple as buying a pair of socks that could save a woman’s life. For five pairs of socks sold by the charity, they will screen a woman for breast cancer.

Speaking of the sponsorship, Nedbank spokesperson Selma Kaulinge said: “The Nedbank Namibia Desert Dash has become so much more than just a cycling race – the event has transcended the sporting base and inspired many participants to take on the grueling journey through the Namib Desert for a good cause.

In taking over title sponsorship of the Nedbank Desert Dash eight years ago, Nedbank Namibia invested over N$8 million.

This year, cyclists signed up to race in three categories: men’s and women’s solo and two- and four-member teams.

Cyclists from the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, USA, Germany, Canada, Zimbabwe, UK, Australia, Italy, Switzerland, Botswana , Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo, France and Austria will participate in the event. .