BLUE SEPTEMBER NEWS

Penrith City Star - Real Penrith Panthers men get the cancer checks!

Last Updated: Thursday 18th of August 2011 at 09:59:08 AM

THEY'VE overcome plenty of adversity in 2011 but
these Penrith Panthers wore faces of blue recently to raise awareness for a truly devastating battle, the one against cancer.

Filming a segment in support of Blue September, the five Panthers stars had a sensational blue makeover to promote the campaign's core message: Get blue, get checked and face up to cancer.

Blue September increases awareness about cancer in men and what can be done to prevent it.

Feisty five-eighth Travis Burns said he was delighted to support the cause and highlight an often sensitive subject.

"It's something the boys really wanted to get behind," he said.

"I think everyone has been touched in some way by cancer throughout their lives — either a grandma or mother or father or relative or mate — so it's good to be aware of cancer in men and it's something to look
out for."

The fearless 27-year-old said he "didn't know there was such a thing" as Blue September until joining the campaign.

Burns said it was all too easy for men to become complacent about their health.

"As men we're supposed to come across as being the tougher sex, but you've got to check your prostate for cancer," he said. "A good mate of mine had cancer and he beat it — which was lucky enough.

"But some are touched in a harder way than others, so it's good to recognise that it's a serious issue."

Burns will return to the Panthers' starting line-up on Saturday night when the side host the New Zealand Warriors.

He said he was eager to celebrate departing mountain men Petero Civoniceva and Trent Waterhouse's final home game with a victory.

"Petero is going to be a big loss . . . House is my room-mate and plays on the left side with me, so I'm going to miss them both a lot . I just wish them all the best and hope we can get a win for them."

To learn more about or donate to Blue September, visit blueseptember.org.au.

The Panthers will host an open training session for members and fans at Centrebet Stadium tomorrow afternoon from 5pm until 5.30pm, with a sausage sizzle to follow at the Panthers Leagues Club.

REF: JUSTIN BRADY 
http://www.penrithstar.com.au/news/local/sport/general/real-penrith-panthers-men-get-the-cancer-checks/2261602.aspx