‘Please don’t put it off’: Farmers encouraged to get their health checked

The FCN is working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to raise awareness of cancer risks, signs and symptoms and to encourage early detection. 

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.

Please don’t put it off 

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 was not a female GP available for a few weeks. 

After eventually seeing a GP, she quickly received ultrasounds as well as biopsies and was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Mrs Maynard said that juggling her many roles on the farm while undergoing cancer treatment was stressful and she was under a lot of pressure. 

She added that friendships were “incredibly important” throughout her treatment. Mrs Maynard 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 don’t put it off – Nip it in the Bud.” 

Take the necessary steps 

Alex Phillimore, head of communications and development at The Farming Community Network (FCN), said that 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. 

He added: “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’.” 

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, while encouraging people to provide recommendations and suggestions for improvement. Learn more here. 

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.”

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