Padraig Harrington reveals he has had skin cancer treatment

Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington has revealed that he has undergone treatment for skin cancer.

Harrington, whose father Patrick died from cancer, underwent surgery for "sun spots" on his face and decided to speak out in a bid to raise awareness.

"I've had a number of skin cancers removed off my face," the 42-year-old Dubliner told Irish radio station Today FM's Last Word programme.

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

Harrington withdrew from the 2005 Open at St Andrews after the death of his father from oesophageal cancer on the eve of the event.

Padraig Harrington factfile

• Born 31 August 1971
• Played in Walker Cup 1991, '93 and '95
• Turned professional late 1995
• Won 1996 Spanish Open in first year on European Tour
• European Order of Merit winner 2006
• Beat Sergio Garcia in play-off to win 2007 Open
• Retained Open in 2008 and won USPGA title a month later
• Played in sixth European Ryder Cup team in 2010
• Without a European or PGA Tour win since 2008 USPGA victory

The two-times Open champion added: "My father had symptoms but didn't do anything about it. It's the nature of men in Ireland and certainly older men.

"I would be much more inclined to go and do something about it.

"Dealing with cancer is not what it was 10 years ago. Instead of just one treatment they are now looking at combining different types of treatment of dealing with oesophageal cancer.

"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 won three majors in the space of 13 months between July 2007 and August 2008, achieving consecutive Open triumphs and also clinching the USPGA title.