New England Patriots aim to kick cancer

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital to offer Patriots fans information about screening and prevention

Nearly 70,000 fans pack the stands at Gillette Stadium for every Patriots home game and, statistically, far too many of them will develop cancer in their lifetimes.

With support from Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital — the founding hospitals of Partners HealthCare — and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation has launched Kick Cancer, a season-long initiative to increase cancer awareness among Patriots fans.

"Knowing risk factors, having good information and requesting regularly scheduled screenings is imperative," said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, who is also a Dana-Farber Trustee.

"For many cancers, particularly women's cancers, the symptoms can be subtle. It's incumbent on individuals to get screened and ask your doctor for tests. With proper screening and early detection, families can avoid a lot of heartache."

Beginning with the Sunday, September 26 game at Gillette Stadium and at each subsequent home game, the Patriots will raise awareness about common cancers through messages to fans and the distribution of educational material.

To help kick off the initiative, Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski and punter Zoltan Mesko have filmed public service announcements promoting cancer screening.

"We all know someone who has been affected by cancer," said Gostkowski. "Win or lose, we want Patriots fans to leave games this year knowing more about risk factors and their options for screening."

"It's a good feeling to know that we can play a part in someone taking a small step, such as deciding to get screened, that could ultimately save their life," added Mesko.

New England's best medical institutions have also partnered with The Foundation to provide fans with valuable information about screening and prevention both at Gillette Stadium and through the Patriots' web site.

On Sunday, Kraft will be joined for a pregame announcement of the initiative by Elizabeth G. Nabel, MD, President, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Edward J. Benz, Jr., MD, President and CEO, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Peter L. Slavin, MD, President, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Gary L. Gottlieb, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Partners HealthCare.

For more information about the Kick Cancer initiative, including resources and information about cancer prevention and screening, visit www.patriots.com/community.