A 22-year-old supporter of Millwall has expressed a desire to honor his father by reviving a prostate cancer awareness initiative a decade after his passing.
Will Kilgannon’s father, Brian, who was just 51 years old when he succumbed to cancer, had been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer three years prior to his demise.
Originally from New Cross in southeast London, Brian Kilgannon was a devoted Millwall Football Club fan. Before he died, he collaborated with Prostate Cancer UK to launch an awareness campaign in conjunction with his beloved football club.
Will is continuing his father’s legacy by featuring in a promotional film that will be displayed during a Championship match against Preston this Saturday.
“My dad played a significant role in my life and was a truly inspirational figure whom I deeply admire and strive to emulate,” he remarked. “Being able to pick up this initiative ten years later is something I feel truly privileged to partake in.”
Will believes that football matches serve as a perfect platform for spreading awareness since a considerable portion of the audience consists of men.
Each year, over 63,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer—a figure large enough to fill Millwall’s home stadium, The Den, more than three times.
“I hope it motivates men to speak with their GP and discuss their prostate cancer risk, encouraging them to seek checks and tests,” Will stated. “Prostate cancer can be treated, but my dad delayed getting help, dismissing the symptoms, which allowed it to spread beyond the prostate and make it untreatable.”
A representative from Prostate Cancer UK highlighted that this form of cancer is the most prevalent in England and notably lacks a significant screening program.
“As prostate cancer often presents no early signs or symptoms at its more treatable stage, it’s vital for every man to be aware of his risk,” they explained. “Men over 50 are at a higher risk, with the likelihood increasing as age advances. Additionally, if you are of Black heritage or if a family member has suffered from it, your risk is even greater.”
Men who have concerns regarding prostate cancer can assess their risk online.
