Cronulla Sharks backrower and Bowel Cancer Australia ambassador Chris Heighington has teamed up with the NRL to promote a wider awareness of the 'silent killer'.
Heighington first partnered with Bowel Cancer Australia near on two years ago, upon hearing that his Father had been diagnosed with the disease in 2012.
'Heighno' joins a host of NRL personalities - both past and present - in promoting bowel cancer awareness on the quest to improve Australia's state of poor colorectal health.
"Dad was diagnosed at 65 years old, and that's probably a little bit too late," said Heighington.
"They say to go and get checked around your 30s and 40s so people can get on top of it before it gets too bad."
In now working alongside the NRL, Heighington says that he has seen a growth in the uptake of the campaign's messages, and he hopes that will translate into a greater awareness of the disease.
"The NRL jumped on board with the 'Kick Bowel Cancer' campaign, and it's kicked on from there," Heighington said.
"For me it's growing in leaps and bounds. The NRL is hoping that everyone goes and gets a check, that's the end goal."
With the NRL's program kicking off and running throughout the month of May, Heighington says there is not a better time to go to the doctors and to receive a check up.
"I urge people to go out and see their doctors. There's a kit you can get to test yourself, or if there are other signs, go out and see a GP," he said.
"The key is to get on top of it before it's too late."
For more information on the NRL's 'Kick Bowel Cancer' campaign, visit http://www.nrlkickbowelcancer.com.au/
