WILMINGTON, Del. — AstraZeneca has partnered with actor and producer Joshua Jackson to launch a national public health campaign encouraging Americans to speak with their doctors about cancer risk and recommended screenings.
The campaign, titled “Get Body Checked Against Cancer,” aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and proactive health conversations, particularly among adults entering stages of life when cancer risk and screening recommendations become more relevant.
To bring the message to a broader audience, Jackson is joined in the campaign by Gritty, the mascot of the Philadelphia Flyers. The campaign draws a comparison between a body check in hockey and the importance of checking in with a doctor about potential cancer risks.
“Beating cancer takes a team—and action saves lives. By teaming up with Joshua Jackson and Gritty, we’re calling on fans to get informed and get screened. With an estimated 65% of Americans behind on recommended screenings and cancer rates rising among people under 50, now is the time to talk to your doctor about your risk and the screenings that are right for you. Don’t wait—get body checked,” said Mohit Manrao, Senior Vice President and Head of U.S. Oncology at AstraZeneca.
Jackson said the campaign resonates personally as he and others in his generation begin confronting greater health risks.
“People close to me have been diagnosed with cancer, and I’m at an age where I should know my own risks. So, if you watched me when I was a kid and you were a kid, it’s time to talk to your doctor about getting screened. Together with AstraZeneca and my good friend, Gritty, we don’t want you to wait to talk to your doctor,” Jackson said.
The initiative encourages people to discuss cancer risk factors and screening options with their healthcare providers. It also supports Hockey Fights Cancer, a joint initiative of the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association powered by the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
AstraZeneca has served as the first official national partner of the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative since 2023 and has donated $1.1 million to the program through the V Foundation to support cancer research.
“There’s a lot of important checks out there—poke checks, paychecks, rain checks—but here’s a reality check…Get body checked. Checkmate,” said Gritty, mascot of the Philadelphia Flyers.
