Staff at Leeds Rhinos Foundation recently underwent free health checks provided by Yorkshire Cancer Research.
The two organisations are working together to promote healthy lifestyles and the changes staff, players and fans can make to reduce their risk of developing cancer.
The health checks also aim to promote signs and symptoms of cancer and the importance of taking part in the national screening programmes for bowel, breast and cervical cancer.
The scheme is part of the charity's strategy to save 2,000 lives every year in Yorkshire by 2025. Rates of cancer diagnosis at stages 3 and 4 in many areas of Yorkshire are higher than the national average for some of the most common cancers, including breast, colorectal, and prostate. When cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, treatment options and chances of full recovery are greater.
Screening rates for bowel, cervical and breast cancer in some areas of Yorkshire are also very low and can vary dramatically from one area to another. Screening involves testing the general population, most of whom will not have any cancer symptoms, and cancers that are diagnosed through screening are more likely to be found at an early stage.
It is hoped that by promoting a better understanding of cancer among staff at Leeds Rhinos Foundation, awareness of the disease will become an integral part of the organisation's day-to-day running and its work in the community.
Charles Rowett, Chief Executive Officer at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: "We're delighted to be working with Leeds Rhinos Foundation. It's only by engaging with community organisations such as sports clubs that we will begin to make a real impact on cancer outcomes in Yorkshire. This is a fantastic opportunity to reach people in the Leeds area and ensure that we get these important messages out to the public.”
Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington said: "We at the Leeds Rhinos Foundation are all about building partnerships and at the same time connecting with the community as well and I think a synergy and a relationship with Yorkshire Cancer Research is an ideal one.
"Being able to assist Yorkshire Cancer Research in their goals, raising awareness and using our facilities here at Headingley Carnegie and our resources which includes our players is such a wholesome thing to be able to do to be able to make a difference. We all know the significance an organisation like Yorkshire Cancer Research can have on all our lives, not only ourselves but our families, friends and people in the workplace and we at the Rhinos and particularly the Foundation can play a positive role and we are delighted to be able to do so.”