Three Time Major Winner Padraig Harrington Treated for Skin Cancer

Padraig Harrington underwent treatment for skin cancer, the three time major winner has revealed.

The 42-year-old Irishman who won the British Open in 2007 and 2008 in addition to the US PGA Championship in the same year confirmed he has undergone surgery to remove 'sun spots'.

"I've had a number of skin cancers removed off my face," Harrington said speaking on Today FM's 'The Last Word' programme.

"When you get a symptom don't ignore it. Do something about it."

The father of two, whose father Paddy passed away from cancer of the oesophagus, was raising awareness amongst Irish men ahead of Lollipop Day, a charity event established by the Oesophageal Cancer Fund held at the end of February.

"Dealing with cancer is not what it was 10 years ago," the world number 137 continued.

"Instead of just one treatment they are now looking at combining different types of treatment of dealing with oesophageal cancer.

"Everybody responds differently to treatment and ways of treating cancer are moving on. I see that when I travel the world.

"It is easier to clear these things up at the start rather than waiting until there is a problem.

"You can get treated and go on to live a much longer life."

Harrington remains scheduled to compete in next week's Honda Classic, where he won his first career PGA Tour title in 2005.