The Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in Northern Ireland (AVSPNI) and The North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA) have joined forces with The Farming Community Network (FCN) and Macmillan Cancer Support to promote the Rural Communities Cancer Project – aimed at tackling cancer inequalities and helping to raise awareness of cancer locally among those in rural areas, particularly within the farming community.
The collaboration was announced during the AVSPNI Autumn Conference, which took place on Friday 31st October through to Sunday 2nd November 2025.
The Rural Communities Cancer Project is a UK-wide partnership between The Farming Community Network and Macmillan Cancer Support, helping to raise awareness of cancer signs and symptoms amongst the rural community.
One of the Project’s initiatives is the “Nip it in the Bud” campaign – which encourages early detection and a proactive mindset towards getting checked.
AVSPNI and NIVA recognise the importance of farmers and rural dwellers to our society and the impact of cancer upon rural families, and have encouraged their members who regularly visit farms to use their influence to raise awareness to help save lives.
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.
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).[1]
Approximately 36% of Northern Ireland’s population lives in a rural area, and this can create unique challenges for accessing services and support (DAERA).[2]
There is a firm belief amongst many clinicians – who are increasingly concerned – that farmers in particular are hesitant to contact their doctor until the late development of the disease, the outcome of which is then generally less than positive.
Melanie Spahn-Holmes, President of The Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in Northern Ireland, said: “It is important that Vets play a part in sharing information to assist farmers and people living in rural communities to get checked for early signs of cancer and to be aware of the level of support that is available. We firmly believe that working with The Farming Community Network and Macmillan Cancer Support will ultimately help raise awareness and save lives.”
Representing The North of Ireland Veterinary Association Kirsten Dunbar said: “We understand that farmers do not always prioritise their health and overlook or miss the signs and symptoms of cancer therefore it is imperative that vets use every opportunity to raise awareness of cancer symptoms amongst the farming community and encourage them to go to the doctor as soon as possible if necessary, which could save lives.”
Sarah Christie, Nation Lead for Northern Ireland at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:
“Cancer can disrupt your whole life. And it can be made much worse simply because of who you are or where you live. Rural communities face unique challenges in accessing information and support, which is why partnerships like this are so vital. By working alongside the veterinary profession, The Farming Community Network can help ensure that more people in farming and rural areas recognise the signs of cancer early and feel empowered to seek help when they need it most.
Macmillan Cancer Support is doing whatever it takes to help everyone with cancer get the best care Northern Ireland has to offer, whoever and wherever they are.”
Caitriona Crawford, National Manager (Northern Ireland) at The Farming Community Network, said: “We are delighted that both The Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in Northern Ireland and The North of Ireland Veterinary Association have agreed to support this very worthwhile project. We firmly believe that working in collaboration with Vets, who carry considerable credibility amongst farmers and interact with the farming community on a regular basis, will serve to raise awareness, generate difficult conversations and encourage those with suspected cancer symptoms to seek medical advice at the earliest opportunity.
“Farmers and those living in rural communities may not prioritise their health for several reasons – because of the lack of time and close proximity or availability of services and as a result some of the signs and symptoms of cancer – such as prolonged pains, tiredness and fatigue – can be missed or overlooked. The support provided by both veterinary associations will undoubtedly help us encourage farming families to be more aware and ultimately save lives from a curable and treatable disease if diagnosed and treated at the early stages.”
The ‘Nip it in the Bud’ campaign provides a range of useful resources for agri-businesses, colleges, community groups, businesses, sporting clubs, 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.
Downloadable resources such as graphics, images and information sheets are available on the FCN website: fcn.org.uk/cancersupport/
[1] https://from.ncl.ac.uk/why-are-rural-communities-less-likely-to-survive-cancer
[2] https://niopa.qub.ac.uk/bitstream/NIOPA/17868/3/Key_Rural_Issues_2020_-_Final.pdf