Leeds United sign up for 'tackle cancer' campaign

Yorkshire Cancer Research will be working with League One promotion contenders Leeds United in a bid to raise awareness of cancers which commonly affect men.

The "Cancer. Let's Tackle It" campaign will focus on cancers of the prostate, testicle, bowel and lung after the charity signed a three year agreement with the former top flight club.

Following today's launch, the first practical event will be a Stop Smoking/Lung Capacity Test "clinic" for fans before Leeds United's home game with Colchester United on Saturday.

This session will be run in conjunction with the Leeds NHS Trust.

Clair Chadwick, of Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: "It's widely recognised that many men can go into denial if they suspect something may be wrong with them.

"This often contrasts sharply with the way women approach such perceived problems.

"This partnership is designed to give male fans more of an idea of the kinds of signs that could indicate the presence of cancer and to encourage them to seek help."

Case studies and cancer factfiles will appear in United's match day programme and club magazine and key messages will be broadcast on the big screen on match days.

Ms Chadwick said: "We also hope to encourage fans to take part in fundraising events. The sad fact is that many Leeds United fans will have cancer at some point in their lives. By raising money for research now, we increase the chances of developing new treatments in the future."

Leeds United chief executive Shaun Harvey said: "Sadly, cancer is something that has touched most people and, by forming a partnership with YCR, we hope through our relationship we can raise awareness and funds to help with the fight against this."