Brian O’Driscoll and father launch prostate cancer awareness campaign

Rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll and his father Frank launched the Gillette Father’s Day campaign in association with the Irish Cancer Society and Tesco. The Gillette Father’s Day campaign aims to raise both awareness and funds for prostate cancer in Ireland. 10 cent from every product in the Gillette male range sold in Tesco stores nationwide until July 8th will go directly to the Irish Cancer Society.
“Not only men of a certain age but men of all ages find it difficult to openly discuss matters relating to aspects of our health. As a GP I know the importance of early detection. Many cancers including prostate cancer are curable if detected early. The Gillette Father’s Day campaign is a great way of raising money to ensure people affected by prostate cancer can get the information and support they need and to fund prostate cancer research. Not only will we raise money but we will raise awareness about prostate cancer and that will help people of all ages ensure that their fathers, uncles, husbands and grandfathers don’t let embarrassment stand in the way of getting checked,” commented Frank O’ Driscoll.
Currently in Ireland men have a one in nine chance of developing prostate cancer in their lifetime and it is recommended that men approaching 50 and onwards be more prostate aware, open discussions about their risk of developing prostate cancer with their General Practitioners and to consider the merits of screening. The Gillette Father’s Day campaign aims to raise awareness amongst men of all ages of the threat of prostate cancer.
Currently preparing for his marriage to actress and author Amy Huberman, Brian O’Driscoll added “Our lives are very busy these days making it very easy to ignore or miss the early signs of health problems. This Fathers Day’s campaign should encourage the man in your life to seek advice and help if he has any concerns. The Irish Cancer Society National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1 800 200 700 can provide that advice and address any concerns.”
“Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer and raising awareness of prostate cancer and encouraging men to look after their health is one of the key aims of the Irish Cancer Society. We continually rely on the goodwill of the public to get involved, raise awareness and help to raise money by supporting these types of campaigns. We are delighted that Brian and Frank O’Driscoll are supporting this campaign,” said Jim O’Malley, Corporate Partnerships Manager, Irish Cancer Society.
The Gillette Father’s Day campaign is an exclusive partnership with Tesco. Ten cent from the sale of every product in the Gillette male range goes to fund prostate cancer research and to ensure that the information and support for people affected by prostate cancer in Ireland is readily available.
Anyone concerned or affected by prostate cancer can call the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700.