Farmers and people living in rural communities are being urged to ‘nip it in the bud' and get checked for early signs of cancer - as part of a new UK-wide campaign by The Farming Community Network (FCN).
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FCN is working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to raise awareness of cancer risks, signs and symptoms, and to encourage early detection.
Rural cancer services
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.
Nicky Maynard is a farmer's wife, originally from Cork in Ireland, 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 was not 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.
Juggling her many roles on the farm whilst undergoing cancer treatment was stressful and she was under a lot of pressure.
Ms Maynard said friendships were incredibly important throughout her treatment, and she had friends who stepped up to the mark after finding out she had cancer. She also received support from Macmillan Cancer Support.
She said: "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.
"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 do not put it off - Nip it in the Bud."
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.
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.
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"A lack of time or availability of services, particularly in rural areas, can also make it difficult to speak to a GP."
But she added the sooner someone got checked, the sooner they can find out if something is wrong, and if they receive a diagnosis, the sooner they can undergo treatment.
FCN survey
FCN has also launched a survey to help FCN better understand cancer service provisions in rural areas.
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Dr Laura Wainwright, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, said: "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."
Downloadable resources such as graphics, images and information sheets are available on the FCN website.
