Shape editor scoops international media prize

The Luminous award, created by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, recognises writing that is "enlightened, intelligent and inspiring".

Courageous decision

Winning entry "My Chance for Life" chronicles the courageous decision by a 25-year-old Pretoria woman to undergo an elective double mastectomy rather than risk breast cancer. She had already lost her mother and several other family members to the disease and genetic testing revealed that she carried the gene that causes breast cancer.

Younghusband's winning entry was chosen from among 120 magazine, newspaper and broadcast submissions from 16 countries. Her prize is a seven-day trip for two to either Boston, London, New York, Paris or Sydney, where she will spend time with leading oncologists.

Tremendous honour

Says Younghusband, "It's a tremendous honour to have been selected the winner of this prestigious award, given the calibre of entrants and the importance of the subject matter. It further vindicates what we do at Shape magazine - impressing upon women the value of preventative health care and health awareness.

"This award would not have been possible without the courage of Miralda de Waal, the young woman who so bravely told me her story. I have no doubt that by sharing her story she has helped save lives."

Well-researched and credible

Says Shape publisher Elsa Carpenter-Frank, "We are very proud that Shape journalism has again been acknowledged as the best in its field. This award further entrenches Shape as the magazine that provides the most well-researched and credible health and wellness information in South Africa."

Shape aims to help women make the most of their lives by providing well-researched and informative articles that encourage a healthy, balanced lifestyle.