Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in South Africa, registering 48,000 cases and 900 deaths annually. Furthermore, South Africa ranks first globally in terms of skin cancer incidence, with approximately 20,000 cases and 700 deaths recorded each year. Many residents of South Africa who could benefit from diagnosis face limited access to screening services.
The campaign, under the slogan 'Catch the rays, not the risk,' urges the population to take responsibility for sun exposure and practice skin protection measures while providing medical care directly within communities.
To address the issue of insufficient access to skin screening centers, BIODERMA and NAOS Ecobiology are organizing the third annual 'Skin Health Circuit' in three South African cities in September.
Venues and Dates of the Event
This initiative will provide free skin health checks in the following cities in September:
- September 5: Canal Walk, Cape Town.
- September 12: Sandton Gate, Johannesburg.
- September 16: La Lucia Mall, Durban.
Activities and Registration
Participants are invited to take part in various activities, including free skin cancer screenings, a community 5km run organized by Sunday Shuffle, partner activations, product tasting, and educational sessions on sun protection.
BIODERMA Skin Health Circuit will conduct its third annual free skin cancer screening campaign in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban in September 2026.
Partners and Academic Support
'Skin Health Circuit' operates with the support of medical, sports, and educational organizations such as BIODERMA and NAOS Ecobiology. Partners also include Sunday Shuffle, 226ERS, Booksy, SkinScan, FotoFinder, and Dr. Derma. The Melanoma Society of South Africa also provides support.
The campaign has scientific backing from five major South African academic institutions: the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Cape Town, the University of Pretoria, Stellenbosch University, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
By providing free professional examinations directly in the communities of Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, 'Skin Health Circuit' removes the financial and logistical barriers that often delay life-saving diagnosis. Residents are advised to take care of their health in September, enjoying the sun but avoiding risk.
Visitors can register for a free screening through the Booksy platform, and runners can sign up for the free 5km event via Quicket (entry is free, registration is now open). Supporters are also urged to use the campaign hashtags #getscreened and #sayyestoSPF online.