Agrovista agronomist encourages ‘Do not wait. Go to the doctor immediately’

An Agrovista agronomist who was diagnosed with cancer in his tonsils after noticing a small lump in his neck has urged people working in the agricultural sector to act quickly should they notice a change in their health. 

Pete Waltham works for Agrovista on the Somerset Levels, advising on a mix of arable, forage and basket willow crops. 

In October 2024, he was diagnosed with head and neck cancer in his tonsils at the age of 42, after noticing a small lump in his neck in June. 

Pete learned about The Farming Community Network’s UK-wide partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, including the charity’s #NipItInTheBud campaign, following a presentation at an Agrovista internal conference. 

During the conference, the company shared information on the various initiatives planned under its #ForOurGrowers campaign. The campaign is Agrovista’s way of communicating support to growers, standing behind the industry, and celebrating the hard work of everyone involved in British farming. 

#NipItInTheBud 

The #NipItInTheBud campaign aims to raise awareness of cancer risks, signs and symptoms, and to encourage early detection. 

It is part of the Rural Communities Cancer Project between FCN and Macmillan Cancer Support, which is helping to improve the support available to those living with cancer in farming communities and rural areas and identify potential obstacles to accessing cancer care. 

Pete said: “In June 2024 I got home one day from a maize walk. After a busy day I sat down for a drink. I randomly remember feeling my neck and noticed a lump. I booked an appointment with a doctor the next day, to be on the safe side. 

“The first doctor I spoke to thought it was nothing to worry about – I recall them saying ‘there is no chance it’s cancer’. I guess at this point some people might accept it isn’t serious, ignore it and hope it’ll go away by itself. But I didn’t let it go. I felt very strongly that something was wrong, so I put my foot down. 

“Eventually after several attempts, I saw an excellent paramedic, who referred me for an ultrasound. This revealed a swollen lymph node. 10 days later I saw a doctor and had a biopsy, followed by a PET-CT scan and an MRI.  

“Once I was ‘in the system’ things moved very quickly. The tests discovered I had a localised tumour on my tonsils. I felt immense relief that it had not spread further.” 

Mental support 

Pete’s treatment involved six weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The radiotherapy was five days a week, and the chemotherapy happened once a week. 

Pete said: “It was very grueling and time-consuming. When you’re in the thick of it, you have no time to think. I estimate I will have had over 78 appointments.  

“At first I almost had imposter syndrome, thinking I wasn’t actually that ill, and that I could continue working. But after a few weeks, it really hit me how sick I was. The treatment really does take it out of you. 

“Once the treatment finished and the number of appointments became less frequent, that’s when the mental health impact of what I had been through hit me.  

“I needed counselling and received support from Macmillan Cancer Support as well as support from resources at my local hospital. It has been very beneficial, helping me to understand and process what I have been through.” 

The support Pete received from family, friends, colleagues and clients has been a great help during his cancer treatment.  

He added: “Throughout I have had fantastic support from my employer. I can honestly say that Agrovista could not have been better. They have put resources in place to support me and have arranged for colleagues to cover my work while I have been ill. 

“I have also seen incredible support from my clients – a huge weight was lifted after I emailed them and let them know about my situation, and the responses that I received back were very supportive.”  

Pete recognises that the frequency of appointments and busy farming calendar could act as a deterrent for people seeking support. 

He said: “If you notice something or even just have a small suspicion something has changed, go to the doctor immediately. Do not wait. You may need to push back and put your foot down. Don’t give up if you feel like you aren’t making progress. 

“If you work within the agricultural community and find yourself faced with a diagnosis like mine, then it is imperative that you seek to organise cover for your work and take the time required to go to all treatment and consultant appoints.  

“You also need to take the time required to fully recover – it can take considerably longer than you might think.” 

Act quickly 

Alex Phillimore, head of communications and development at The Farming Community Network, said: “Throughout the Rural Communities Cancer Project, we have heard from people from across our farming and wider rural communities about some of the barriers that could be preventing them from accessing cancer support services. 

“This includes people working in the agricultural sector delaying treatment due to lambing or commenting that they will see a doctor when things get worse, assuming that the issue will go away by itself.  

“As Pete’s experience shows, you really do need to act quickly if you notice something has changed or doesn’t feel quite right. There will never be a convenient time, and you may have to make multiple attempts to get an appointment, but the sooner you are seen, diagnosed and treated, the sooner you can get back to the farm.” 

FCN is a voluntary organisation and charity that supports farmers and families within the farming community through difficult times. 

Founded in 1995, the charity has evolved from just responding to farmers in crisis to providing a more proactive service encouraging farmers to seek help before their situations worsen and helping them to manage change and plan ahead. 

FCN can help you or someone you know on 03000 111 999 (7am-11pm 365 days of the year) or email help@fcn.org.uk 

More information on can be found here: FCN and FarmWell 

Read more rural news.