Harrington receives cancer treatment

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bruced
February 22, 2014

Padraig Harrington revealed on Friday that he has received treatment for skin cancer.

Harrington, whose father Patrick actually died from cancer, had minor surgery to remove a number of sun spots on his face.

The three-time Major winner has spoken out about his issue in an attempt to raise awareness about the disease.

“I’ve had a number of skin cancers removed off my face. When you get a symptom don’t ignore it. Do something about it,” said the Irishman.

The 14-time European tour winner’s father passed away from oesophageal cancer, forcing him to withdraw from the 2005 Open at St Andrews. Harrington has since become the patron of the Oesophageal Cancer Fund Ireland.

“Dealing with cancer is not what it was 10 years ago,” continued the 42-year-old.

“Instead of just one treatment they are now looking at combining different types of treatment of dealing with oesophageal cancer. Everybody responds differently to treatment and ways of treating cancer are moving on.

“I see that when I travel the world. It is easier to clear these things up at the start rather than waiting until there is a problem. You can get treated and go on to live a much longer life.

“My father had symptoms but didn’t do anything about it. It’s the nature of men in Ireland and certainly older men. I would be much more inclined to go and do something about it.

“If I get a pain I go and get it checked out. It’s a little bit of hardship (going to the doctor) but you will feel much better afterwards.”

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