WILMINGTON, DE — AstraZeneca (Nasdaq: AZN) announced a national public health campaign encouraging Americans to speak with their doctors about cancer risk and screening, partnering with actor Joshua Jackson and Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty to promote the effort.
The campaign, titled “Get Body Checked Against Cancer,” aims to increase awareness of cancer screenings, particularly among adults who may be entering higher-risk age groups, the company said.
AstraZeneca said the initiative highlights gaps in preventive care, citing estimates that about 65% of Americans are behind on recommended cancer screenings, with rising cancer rates among people under 50.
“Beating cancer takes a team—and action saves lives,” said Mohit Manrao, senior vice president and head of U.S. oncology at AstraZeneca. “We’re calling on fans to get informed and get screened.”
The campaign uses a sports-themed message, drawing a comparison between a body check in hockey and a medical checkup, and features Jackson alongside Gritty to reach a broad audience.
Jackson said the effort is intended to encourage people in his age group to take a more active role in preventive care.
“I’m at an age where I should know my own risks,” Jackson said. “It’s time to talk to your doctor about getting screened.”
The initiative supports Hockey Fights Cancer, a joint program of the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association that raises funds for cancer research through the V Foundation.
AstraZeneca said it has donated $1.1 million to the program since becoming its national partner in 2023.
The company said the campaign directs individuals to resources on cancer risk, screening options, and provider access at https://www.getbodychecked.com.
AstraZeneca said the effort is designed to encourage earlier detection and increase conversations between patients and healthcare providers about appropriate screenings.
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