A green tide flooded the streets of Bilbao this Sunday, advocating for awareness and the crucial role of prevention in the fight against cancer. In its second edition, over 1,600 participants completed the 4-kilometer route, braving the warm weather to join the cause and show solidarity with those affected by the disease.
This year's event specifically focused on raising the profile of prostate cancer, the most common tumor among men and the third leading cause of cancer-related death, following lung and colorectal cancers. In Euskadi alone, approximately 1,800 new cases were diagnosed in 2023.
Laura de Antón, economic development coordinator for the Spanish Association Against Cancer, emphasized the need to «promote healthy lifestyle habits». The event also served to introduce the association's services and «raise awareness about the importance of research». Natalia Martín, a researcher at CIC bioGune, stressed the necessity of seeking medical attention, particularly noting that «men are more reserved and find it harder to consult specialists, especially at certain ages or with family history». She pointed out that while most cases have a good prognosis, about 10% are more aggressive, with patients arriving with metastasis, making awareness paramount.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Milagrosa Gullón, president of the Association in Bizkaia; Juan María Aburto, the mayor of Bilbao; Nerea Melgosa, the Basque Government's Minister of Welfare, Youth, and Demographic Challenge; and Amaia Antxustegi, Deputy for Social Action. Mayor Aburto highlighted the event's significance for «two reasons»: firstly, «to make visible a disease that sometimes seems overcome, but we must not forget that many people are left behind, and we must continue to invest in research»; and secondly, «the need for people undergoing this process to feel supported and accompanied».
Despite the hot weather, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, participation was high. Organizers advised participants to use sunscreen. The first walkers reached the finish line, located at the Guggenheim Museum plaza, less than an hour after the start. In addition to the walk, children's activities and workshops were held throughout the morning.
Participants came from various parts of Bizkaia. Among them were María Jesús García, 78, and her grandson Telmo, 14. Friends from Santurtzi, including Puri and her companions, and Cristina with her one-year-old son Oliver from Astrabudua, also joined. Several women, such as Marisa, Peni, Marina, and Charo, also from Santurtzi, commented, «We're drinking plenty of water because it's hot, but you have to come; there's always someone in the family who has been affected, and it's enough to show support, come, and collaborate».
The walk was sponsored by Iberdrola, Lagun Aro, CIC bioGune, Idom, Solán de Cabras, with collaboration from the BBK Foundation, Eroski, and the support of the Bilbao City Council.
