Council Supports ‘Nip it in the Bud’ Charity Cancer Campaign

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is working in partnership with the Farming Community Network (FCN) and Macmillan Cancer Support to raise awareness of cancer signs and symptoms among the farming community in the district.

The ‘Nip it in the Bud’ campaign encourages early detection and a proactive mindset towards getting checked regularly and aims at tackling cancer inequalities and helping to raise awareness of cancer among those living in rural communities.  

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “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. We support the ‘Nip it in the Bud’ campaign to encourage early checks and awareness of available support. It's crucial that people who live in rural areas do not overlook symptoms due to time constraints and service accessibility, leading to later diagnoses.”

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

Approximately 36% of Northern Ireland’s population lives in a rural area* and this can create unique challenges for accessing services and support. The evidence here is anecdotal; however, there is a firm belief amongst clinicians - who are increasingly concerned - that farmers are hesitant to contact their doctor until the late development of the disease, the outcome of which is then generally less than positive. 

Caitriona Crawford, National Manager with Northern Ireland Farming Community Network, said, “We are delighted that Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has agreed to support our ‘Nip it in the Bud’ campaign intended to raise awareness within 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.”  

Sarah Christie, External Affairs Manager NI at Macmillan Cancer Support 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 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 for FREE on 0808 808 0000.”

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, forestry, fishing and other rural industry. A lack of time or availability of services, particularly in rural areas, can also make it difficult to speak to a GP.

The ‘Nip it in the Bud’ campaign provides a range of useful resources for agri-businesses, colleges, community groups, businesses, employers and others to download or circulate – some focused on specific cancers that farmers in particular can be more at-risk of developing, such as skin cancer, prostate cancer or lung cancer.

For further information including downloads and information sheets please visit the Farming Community Network website: www.fcn.org.uk/cancersupport/.