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

Thursday 9 July 2026

The Rural Communities Cancer Project is a UK-wide partnership between The Farming Community Network (FCN) and Macmillan Cancer Support. It aims to raise awareness of cancer signs and symptoms among the rural community and address inequalities in access to cancer services.

At a recent full Council meeting, Councillor Aaron Skinner proposed a motion recognising the importance of farmers and rural residents to society and the impact of cancer on farmers and rural businesses. (include who seconded it)

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

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, voiced support for the campaign, linking it to 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.” 

Research 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 (Newcastle University). 

According to Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, more than a third (36%) of Northern Ireland's population lives in a rural area, highlighting the importance of accessible service and support. 

Some of the signs and symptoms of cancer 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.

Caitriona Crawford, National Manager (Northern Ireland) with The Farming Community Network, 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.”

 Sarah Christie, Head of Northern Ireland 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 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, including information on cancers that farmers in particular can be more at-risk of developing, such as skin, prostate and lung cancer.

Resources are available via the FCN website: fcn.org.uk/cancersupport/