Mid and East Antrim rural community encouraged to ‘Nip it in the Bud’

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon is pictured with George Doherty, Programme Officer at FCN Northern Ireland.

Farmers, agricultural workers and rural residents across Mid and East Antrim are being encouraged to seek medical help early if they notice possible signs of cancer, after councillors agreed to support the ‘Nip it in the Bud’ campaign.

The initiative, led through the Rural Communities Cancer Project, aims to raise awareness of cancer symptoms among people living and working in rural areas, where access to services can be more difficult and health concerns may be put off because of work pressures, isolation or distance from support.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council backed the campaign at a recent full council meeting, following a motion from Councillor Aaron Skinner recognising the importance of farmers and rural residents, and the impact cancer can have on farmers, families and rural businesses.

Campaign focuses on early detection

The Rural Communities Cancer Project is a UK-wide partnership between The Farming Community Network and Macmillan Cancer Support.

It aims to address inequalities in access to cancer services and encourage people in rural communities to get symptoms checked at an earlier stage.

A revised notice was also proposed by Councillor Marc Collins and seconded by Alderman Maureen Morrow, requesting that a letter be sent to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to encourage the department to act where possible to reduce stresses on the farming community.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, said the campaign connects closely with his mayoral charity, Rural Support, which promotes mental wellbeing in farming communities.

He said:

“Our rural communities are vital to our local economy, and I am proud to support them. This campaign complements the work of Rural Support in promoting wellbeing among farming families.

“We recognise that farmers, agricultural workers and people living in rural communities can have lower access to cancer services due to the nature of their work and often living in isolated areas.

“The impact of a cancer diagnosis can affect family-run farms, including effects on housing, extended families, and livestock welfare. To raise awareness of available support to ensure those who live rurally look after their health promptly is an honour.

“Encouraging people to ‘nip it in the bud’ by seeking help early could save lives.”

Rural pressures can delay help

Research from Newcastle University indicates that people living in rural communities often present with more advanced cancer when diagnosed and are 5% less likely to survive than those living in urban areas.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, more than a third of Northern Ireland’s population — 36% — lives in a rural area.

Campaign organisers say some possible signs and symptoms of cancer can be missed or overlooked as being “part of the job” in farming, forestry, fishing and other rural industries.

Lack of time, limited service availability, transport issues, travel time and costs can also make it more difficult for people in rural areas to speak to a GP.

Caitriona Crawford, National Manager for Northern Ireland with The Farming Community Network, welcomed the council’s support.

She said:

“We are delighted that Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has agreed to support our ‘Nip it in the Bud’ campaign intended to raise awareness and amongst the rural community.

“It is commonly known that farmers don’t visit their GP promptly, often presenting at much later stages of disease. This is paired with barriers unique to rural communities, such as service provision, transport, travel time and costs etc.

“This can have a significant impact on farms, farming families and rural communities.

“This is an impact that can be further felt by those in our migrant worker communities who often face cancer treatment, complex instructions and support in their second language.

“The support provided by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will undoubtedly help us encourage people living in the rural environment to be more aware and ultimately save lives from a curable and treatable disease if diagnosed and treated at the early stages.”

Support available for anyone worried

Sarah Christie, Head of Northern Ireland Cancer Support, said early detection can make a significant difference to outcomes.

She said:

“At Macmillan, we know that the earlier cancer is detected and treated, the better the outcomes are. This is why The Farming Community Network’s new campaign ‘Nip it in the Bud’ is so important.

“We are really excited to be partnering with the FCN to bring this campaign to life.

“If you are concerned about changes in your body, getting checked by a GP is crucial. It is important to remember that symptoms do not always mean you have cancer, but it’s good to get them checked out.

“Going for tests can be worrying, so if you need support or just want someone to talk to, call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00.”

The ‘Nip it in the Bud’ campaign provides resources for agri-businesses, colleges, community groups, businesses, employers and others.

The resources include information on cancers that farmers in particular can be more at risk of developing, including skin, prostate and lung cancer.

Resources are available through The Farming Community Network website at fcn.org.uk/cancersupport/.