Rural communities can have less access to cancer services and support due to the nature of their work and rural life, often in isolated areas, which can lead to delays in people seeking diagnosis and treatment.
The FCN (Farming Community Network) and Macmillan Cancer Support have launched , a campaign designed to raise awareness in rural communities of cancer risks, signs and symptoms.聽
Signs can be overlooked
Alex Phillimore, head of communications and development at FCN, said: 鈥淪ome of the signs and symptoms of cancer 鈥� such as prolonged pains, tiredness and fatigue 鈥� can be missed or overlooked as being 鈥榩art of the job鈥� in farming.聽
鈥淎 lack of time or availability of services, particularly in rural areas, can also make it difficult to speak to a GP,鈥� he added.
鈥淎 lack of time or availability of services, particularly in rural areas, can also make it difficult to speak to a GP.鈥�
Alex Phillimore
Important to visit GP
Dr Barry Pizer, Consultant Oncologist, said: 鈥淭his important campaign aims to stress to farmers the importance of visiting their GP if they find any lump or develop any unusual symptoms.
鈥淭he chances are it won鈥檛 be cancer but if it is, earlier diagnosis will increase the chances of it being cured and will mean less invasive treatment.鈥澛�
Resources available
#NipItInTheBud provides a range of resources for agri-businesses, Ag Colleges, Young Farmers鈥� Clubs and others to download. Some of these are focused on specific cancers that farmers can be more at-risk of developing, such as skin cancer, prostate cancer or lung cancer.
For more information visit:聽FCN | Cancer support
