By Lydia Jane Allison
Initiative Promotes Early Cancer Detection and Risk Reduction
New Focus Addressing Health Disparities in Prostate Cancer Screenings
NEW YORK, NY – Sept 26, 2024 – Starting today, the National Football League (NFL) will launch Crucial Catch, its early cancer detection and risk reduction initiative. Now in its 16th season, Crucial Catch is a year-round initiative in partnership with the American Cancer Society (ACS) to educate fans on the importance of taking their health into their own hands. Activated on the field and throughout team markets during Weeks 4-6 of the season, the NFL family uses the initiative to broaden their impact and offer cancer screenings and resources in underserved communities.
To fund ongoing impact in providing cancer screening resources, the NFL has donated over $30 million to ACS through sales of Crucial Catch branded merchandise, NFL Auction items, and general fundraising since 2009. Funds raised have impacted more than 1.8 million people and contribute to the mission of the American Cancer Society’s CHANGE Grants, which aim to increase access to screenings and preventative treatments at community health centers in all NFL team markets. Aligned with the NFL’s social impact work rooted in equity, these grants have provided more than 762,000 cancer screenings in communities with the greatest need.
Crucial Catch is also addressing issues pertaining to follow up care for breast cancer patients through the Links to Care Community Grants in select NFL team markets. The grants aid community health centers and NFL team-affiliated hospitals to provide sufficient follow up treatment to diagnosed breast cancer patients. Completing its second year, funds raised for Links to Care have improved appointment availability, scheduling practices, patient navigation services and tracking systems for screening completions.
New this season, the American Cancer Society Prostate Cancer Screening IMPACT ECHO initiative is working to address health disparities by better equipping healthcare providers to share and use prostate cancer screening best practices. Currently, 12 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Safety-Net primary care facilities are using Crucial Catch funding to increase awareness of prostate cancer risk and early detection in Black populations through real-time, case-based learning — collectively, these partners serve more than 40,000 eligible patients.
A map of all NFL funded CHANGE Grants, Links to Care Grants and IMPACT ECHO initiative sites can be found here.
“Since the launch of Crucial Catch 16 years ago, we’ve seen an increase in awareness of fans understanding their cancer risk and the importance of getting screened early,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility. “As the NFL amplifies cancer awareness through the voices of players, on-field branding and community activations, we are proud to continue our partnership with the American Cancer Society and deepen the impact being made through Crucial Catch.”
“The NFL continues to be a collaborative partner in addressing gaps in cancer screening and encouraging fans to get screened,” said Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society. “Their support allows us to work to improve cancer outcomes through tailored services that address barriers to under-resourced communities. Through Crucial Catch, we’re broadening education and access and ultimately, saving lives.”
Crucial Catch not only raises funds to support local community health centers but equips fans with the resources they need to understand their risk for cancer. Sleep Number, an official Crucial Catch Partner of the NFL, is once again presenting The Defender. The online tool provides cancer resources including a screening center locator, scheduling reminders and a 24/7 chat through the American Cancer Society to answer users’ questions. Additionally, The Defender presented by Sleep Number includes a questionnaire analyzing user’s health practices and information to provide personalized suggestions on how to reduce fans’ risk for cancer.
Across the league, NFL players use their platforms to share their stories and promote causes important to them. Through the American Cancer Society Player Ambassador program, 15 NFL players who have a personal tie to cancer amplify the mission and vision of Crucial Catch through appearances, fundraising campaigns and raising awareness across social media.
To show the impact of Crucial Catch throughout the years and emphasize a message of unity, a marketing spot part of the NFL’s umbrella cause “We See You” campaign showcasing “Everyday Strength”, will debut throughout Crucial Catch activation dates. The PSA features Foster Moreau, New Orleans Saints tight end, who is in remission from a Hodgkin Lymphoma diagnosis. Moreau speaks of the strength it requires to take steps to reduce your cancer risk and how some battles are best fought with the right people by your side. You can view the spot here.
Crucial Catch will come to life visually on the field and in stadium during games activated throughout Weeks 4-6. Visuals include Crucial Catch game balls, goal post wraps, field-wall banners, and on-field apparel for players, coaches and officials. Game-worn Crucial Catch merchandise will be auctioned on NFL Auction at NFL.com/Auction. The NFL does not profit from the sale of Crucial Catch merchandise. Charitable contributions are donated to the American Cancer Society to support its CHANGE grant program.
NFL-issued Crucial Catch Apparel will feature a multi-colored logo representing all cancers. During Crucial Catch, NFL teams will be sporting Nike and New Era Crucial Catch apparel on sidelines to highlight the NFL’s commitment to drawing awareness to and supporting cancer detection efforts. Fans can support their favorite team and join the fight against cancer by purchasing NFL-licensed Crucial Catch apparel on NFLShop.com/CrucialCatch. The NFL donates 100% of its proceeds from Crucial Catch merchandise to the American Cancer Society to provide cancer screenings and resources to underserved communities.
Additional Crucial Catch Activations
Crucial Catch LIVE
During Super Bowl LVIII, the NFL and American Cancer Society teamed up to host Crucial Catch LIVE presented by Sleep Number. The event was an opportunity to have an important and open conversation about prostate cancer with medical experts and members of the NFL family. After decades of decline, the rates of prostate cancer are on the rise. Black men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and are more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage with higher mortality rates. Crucial Catch LIVE was uniquely positioned to address the challenges, raise awareness, and reverse these trends by having a candid conversation with NFL players, legends, and fans during the NFL’s biggest game.
Sun Safety
Crucial Catch kicked off this NFL season during training camp with an initiative to raise awareness and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Several NFL clubs offered sunscreen samples at their training camps as well as sun safety tips. Find more information at Cancer.org/SunSafety.
Crucial Catch Canada
This year, all net proceeds from Crucial Catch merchandise sold on NFLShop.ca will be donated back to the Canadian Cancer Society. These funds support a national compassionate support system that provides care, comfort and connection to people living with cancer and their caregivers when they need it most such as reliable cancer information, rides to treatment or a place to stay for those who need to travel for treatment.
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