Tackling cancer inequality: Macmillan’s partnership with the Farming Community Network

We are working with the Farming Community Network. They have special knowledge of rural communities. We will combine their expertise with our support for people living with cancer. This support is available across all four nations of the UK.

How will the rural communities project raise cancer awareness?

Macmillan understands that cancer affects many parts of people's lives. In rural areas, many businesses are family-owned. These businesses hire local people, so the community feels the impact of cancer.

Evidence shows that:

• Farmers are at risk for some types of cancer. This includes skin cancer, prostate cancer, and cancers from exposure to harmful substances.
• Farmers, farm workers, and people in rural communities often have less access to cancer services and support. This is due to their work and the remote areas where they live.
• Some of the most deprived areas in the country are rural places with few resources. One reason for poor health in these areas is limited access to transport.
• Living in a rural area makes you 5% less likely to survive a cancer diagnosis.

Dr Jude McCann, Chief Executive Officer of The Farming Community Network said:

"Farmers are an intrinsic part of rural communities, but long working hours and a lack of access to support services can limit opportunities for health checks, and sadly the early signs of cancer may be difficult to identify or missed entirely."

"The sooner people can access cancer information, advice and support, the sooner they can start their journey to recovery and remission. As well as encouraging early intervention, through this project we also hope to gather ideas in farming and rural communities on what would improve support for those in farming or in rural communities who are living with cancer.

A holistic and tailored approach is necessary for people living in farming communities and rural areas that accommodates their individual needs."

"This partnership will create an important bridge between Macmillan Cancer Support and farming support organisations and has the potential for reaching people with cancer who could otherwise be without support."

From conversations FCN has had with the farming community, they found common themes about inequalities in accessing cancer care. These include:  

• A lack of time to get off-farm or to seek health check-ups.
• People often view aches, pains, or other physical changes (that could potentially be signs of cancer) as 'just part of the job.'
• The 'culture' of farming – feeling embarrassed or not wanting to discuss their health.
• A lack of knowledge of the support services that may be available.
• GPs and other services typically operating at times of the day that don't suit farmers.

What farmers are saying

“Everyone you speak to in a rural community has been affected by cancer in some way. A parent, a friend, a coworker. Cancer uproots lives. We need to make sure everyone can access the help they need sooner rather than later.”

As part of this partnership, FCN will work closely with Macmillan. Together, they will provide activities to raise awareness of cancer signs and symptoms. They will also create connections to Macmillan's services.

FCN will use its existing and new networks. This will make cancer support more accessible for people in rural areas. 

FCN launched their ‘Nip it in the Bud’ campaign to raise awareness risks, signs and symptoms of cancer and to encourage early detection. 

In this video, Nicky shares her story of being diagnosed with breast cancer and how getting help can help 'nip it in the bud'.

Practical and emotional support

• We have information about different cancer types including symptoms, tests and treatments.
• Find out more about our specialist support services, their opening times and the different ways you can contact them.

Information about the project

• Partnership with Macmillan and Farming Community Network, FCN website

This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan's Digital Content Editor team.

Learn more about our Digital Content Editors and how we produce our cancer information.