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Padraig Harrington explains why he gives his support to lollipop day which raises funds for the Oesophageal Cancer Fund.

The Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) is a registered charity set up in 2002 to raise awareness of and money for research into oesophageal cancer. Awareness of the OCF has grown immeasurably over the past eight years, thanks, in no small part, to their annual fund and awareness-raising campaign - Lollipop day.

Established in 2002, Lollipop day has grown year after year and to date, over €1.6m has been raised thanks to the generosity of the Irish public as well as the thousands of volunteers who sell red, heart-shaped lollipops around the country on behalf of the OCF on Lollipop day.

This year, the OCF has pledged €500,000 from the funds raised through donations on Lollipop day to the establishment of a national register of Barrett's oesophagus patients to aid the early diagnosis of oesophageal cancer.

 The register will lead to improved monitoring and surveillance of Barrett's oesophagus patients, education and information for patients, and collaborative research. This initiative ultimately aims to improve cure rates in oesophageal cancer, through diagnosing it at an earlier stage as well as bringing Ireland in line with similar programmes in other European countries and Northern Ireland.

"Ireland has one of the highest rates of oesophageal cancer in the world among men and women. It is very heartening to see a steady progress in the cure rate. The chance of curing patients who can have cancer treatment is now about 35%, if diagnosed at an early stage, compared with less than 20% over 10 years ago,'' said Noelle Ryan, chairperson of the OCF.

New research shows everyday heartburn may put you at risk of oesophageal cancer. Heartburn causes Barrett's oesophagus which, in turn, is the cause of 90% of oesophageal cancer in Ireland.

The influence of diet and obesity is also relevant in preventing oesophageal cancer and represents a target for cancer prevention. It is estimated that 40% of the most common type of oesophageal cancer cases seen in Ireland relate to these factors.

 There is also interesting research that physical activity may influence cancer risk and outcomes, and certain foods, such as turmeric, green tea, cruciferous and other vegetables, garlic, and fruit, may have beneficial effects. 

The OCF is a charity very close to the heart of Irish golfing star Padraig Harrington, who has had direct personal experience of the illness in recent years. The three-time major winner was on hand recently to do a series of press interviews to publicise Lollipop Day.

"My father died five years ago from this illness. There was a real lack of awareness of what the symptoms are. I'm sure there is a much greater awareness now. I can remember thinking that my father suffered from heartburn and indigestion a lot. But because of the sustained period, it was obviously something worse.

" It is not a great cancer to get, particularly if it is a late stage. But if you catch it early, it can certainly be treated. The main point of Lollipop day is really to raise awareness."

"I tend to support charities that make good use of my time and effort. There are a lot of very good charities out there doing all sorts of worthwhile causes but this is a charity very close to my heart. For selfish reasons, it makes me feel very good about myself when I help out."

Harrington is about to embark on a season that many golf experts predict could see him add to his tally of majors. That has been helped perhaps by the self-imposed exile of Tiger Woods, although it has to be noted that Harrington has one of the better records of any golfer against Woods.

He says that he always has a certain amount of trepidation at this time of year, but, overall, he is looking forward to the season ahead "and just getting back out on the course."

"I did quite a lot of work during the winter. Every year I feel that my game has become a little bit better. I just want to get out there and do my best, although the first few weeks are always a bit awkward."

Harrington says that he always sets himself goals at the start of every season. "I do have goals but I never give that information away. The last thing you want to do is to feel that you are constantly being judged and analysed.

"My philosophy is to set two very different sets of goals. Firstly, I have a set of easily attainable goals and then I have much bigger ones that are much harder to attain. But you need both."

The first major this year - as it is every year - is the US Masters, which will be held from April 8th to 11th in the Agusta National Golf Club in Georgia.

The ninth annual lollipop day organised by the OCF takes place nationwide this Friday, February 26th and Saturday February 27th with lollipops and lollipop pins on sale for €2 from retail outlets and pharmacies.

Visit www.lollipopday.com for more information and help OCF make a little lolly go along way!

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