Teams answer Call to Arms for cancer
[SIZE=-1][/SIZE]Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=...s-answer-call-to-arms-for-cancer/1894579.aspx
Teams answer Call to Arms for cancer
FRANCES STEWART
25 Jul, 2010 12:00 AM
CANBERRA'S sporting codes have rallied behind the Cancer Council's Call to Arms, donning yellow armbands in support of men's cancer research.
Teams including the University of Canberra Cows rugby league squad and the Canberra Knights Ice Hockey Club have joined national participants Essendon Football Club, Parramatta Eels, Titans, Broncos, Wests Tigers, Melbourne Storm, Adelaide United Football Club and Adelaide Crows for the annual fund-raiser.
Each team will wear the armbands for one of its fixture matches in July to show solidarity with more than 62,500 Australian men expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year.
Parramatta Eels front-rower Tim Mannah threw his support behind the campaign after his brother Jon, who props for the Cronulla Sharks, was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma last year.
The cancer was discovered during a doctor's appointment about a footy injury Jon wasn't even feeling ill, but his treatment will benefit from the cancer being caught early.
Mannah wants to pass on his brother's lucky story and encourage men to be proactive about their health, even if they feel well.
''Cancer isn't a myth, especially now I realise how common it is, how important it is to go to the doctor and it can actually save your life if you do,'' he said.
''People should get involved in Call to Arms because it saves lives. The more people who get involved, the more awareness will be raised and the more lives will be saved.
''It's a big deal people should jump on board.''
Since 2006, Call to Arms has raised more than $700,000 to help prevent and detect cancers in men, find new treatments and support men in need.