The Farming Community Network (FCN) has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of cancer risks, signs and symptoms in farming and rural communities.
The ‘Nip it in the Bud’ campaign encourages early detection and making time to see the GP if someone notices a change in their health.
The campaign is part of a UK-wide partnership between FCN and Macmillan Cancer Support that is inviting farmers and people in rural communities who have been affected by cancer to share their stories.
Farmers, farm workers and people living in rural communities can have lower access to cancer services and support due to the nature of their work and rural life, often in isolated areas.
The ‘Nip it in the Bud’ campaign provides a range of useful resources for agri-businesses, ag colleges, Young Farmers’ Clubs and others to download or circulate – some focused on specific cancers that farmers can be more at risk of developing, such as skin cancer, prostate cancer or lung cancer.
Getting checked out
Nicky Maynard is a farmer’s wife, originally from Cork in the Emerald Isle, and has lived with her husband and family in Warwickshire for the last 23 years.
In January 2017 she felt a lump in her right breast but initially delayed going to the GP, as she felt fine and there wasn’t a female GP available for a few weeks.
After eventually seeing a GP, she quickly received ultrasounds and biopsies and was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was under a lot of pressure undergoing cancer treatment whilst still working on the farm.
Friendships were incredibly important throughout and provided a great support network of people also receiving support from Macmillan Cancer Support.
Nicky said: “I am still not great at listening to my body, but I do force myself to go to the doctor if I am worried about something. Getting to the GP early is essential. Please don’t put it off – Nip it in the Bud.
“I am a huge supporter of Macmillan Cancer Support; they ensure that you do not have to go through it alone. I would encourage anyone in a similar position to call them or ask for information to be sent to you if you are worried.”
Alex Phillimore, head of communications and development at FCN, said: “Some of the signs and symptoms of cancer – such as prolonged pains, tiredness and fatigue – can be missed or overlooked as being ‘part of the job’ in farming.
“A lack of time or availability of services, particularly in rural areas, can also make it difficult to speak to a GP.
“However, we know that the sooner we ‘Nip it in the Bud’ and get checked, the sooner we can find out if something is wrong – and if someone is to receive a cancer diagnosis, the sooner they can undergo treatment.
“We hope this campaign will encourage people to be more familiar with the early signs of cancer, and to take the necessary steps to get checked and ‘Nip it in the Bud’.”
Dr Barry Pizer, consultant oncologist, said: “This important campaign by The Farming Community Network and Macmillan Cancer Support aims to stress to farmers the importance of visiting their GP if they find any lump or develop any unusual symptoms.
“The chances are it won’t be cancer but if it is, earlier diagnosis will increase the chances of it being cured and will mean less invasive treatment.”
Dr Laura Wainwright, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, added: “I am a GP married to a farmer, so I know how precious time is and how busy farmers are.
“You need to remember that you are the most valuable stock and tool on your farm. If you notice anything unusual, a quick check with your GP may save time and hurt for your family in the future.”
Launching alongside the Nip it in the Bud campaign is a survey designed to help FCN to better understand current cancer service provisions in rural areas, whilst encouraging people to provide recommendations and suggestions for improvement: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/W9DQM5M
The survey is also available in Welsh here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LM2M265
Information sheets are available on the FCN website: fcn.org.uk/cancersupport/