Western Cape Health MEC Pierre Uys has urged all women in South Africa to help increase awareness about breast cancer.

"I want to stress the point that early detection is very important and I would like the riders to educate people on how to do self-examination as they continue in their journey," he said.

The MEC was speaking at the farewell function of 13 women who are riding motorbikes from Cape Town to Johannesburg to raise awareness about breast cancer.

Today the women will be conducting their awareness campaign in George at the Protea Hotel.

The "Biking For Breast Health - A Journey of Hope" initiative will create a platform for education, through a series of free public workshops to take place in various towns and cities.

On Sunday, the colourful convoy of riders left Cape Town on the first leg of their journey across the country.

The campaign ends on 15 October.

Mr Uys told the guests gathered at the V&A Waterfront that government was spending R50 million on breast cancer treatment and mammogram facilities.

He said 10 million people world wide are affected by cancer, while one in 27 women will be affected sometime in their life.

"Women under the age of 35 are being affected by breast cancer. It's not only an old women's disease," Mr Uys said.

The public can also form part of this courageous endeavour by sending an SMS to 36655, to encourage the riders on their journey.

Each SMS will cost R5 and the proceeds will be donated to the Breast Health Foundation.