This guest blog has been provided by Macmillan Cancer Support. FCN is involved in a UK-wide partnership with Macmillan, working to improve the support available to people in farming and rural communities who are impacted by cancer.
Do you have a cancer diagnosis and work in farming or live in a rural community?
Have you ever felt like the support available does not quite reflect the realities of farming life?
Cancer and farming can bring unique challenges. Alongside appointments, treatment and the emotional impact of a diagnosis, many people in farming and rural communities are also thinking about livestock, crops, finances, seasonal pressures and how to keep things running day to day.
At Macmillan Cancer Support, we know that if you are from farming and rural communities, you do not always have access to the cancer support you deserve. Sometimes this can be because support feels too far away, difficult to access, or not appropriate to the unique challenges of farming life.
That is why we have a dedicated space for you on the Macmillan Online Community.
Denys Fell farms 250 mainly arable acres in East Yorkshire. In June 2024 at the age of 73 he went for a routine blood test. After the medical team noticed an elevated Prostate-specific antigen level (PSA) in his blood, Denys was referred for additional tests. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer days later.
Join the conversation here on the Macmillan Online Community and speak to other people from the farming and rural community who have had a cancer diagnosis. The Macmillan Online Community is open to anyone affected by cancer, including people living with cancer, family members, carers and friends.
What is the Macmillan Online Community?
The online community is a free space where people affected by cancer can connect, ask questions and share experiences with others who understand.
While many people find support through our cancer type forums or treatment discussions, members of the farming community told us there was a need for a dedicated space to talk about the specific challenges of balancing cancer and rural life.
For many farmers, one of the first thoughts after diagnosis is not only about treatment, but also practical concerns such as:
- Who will manage the farm?
- How can I care for my livestock if I’m in hospital?
- What happens if I can’t get to appointments?
- Where can I find others who understand my situation?
Therefore, we have created a dedicated discussion thread for farming and rural communities affected by cancer to share your experience and ask questions unique to you. If you are a member of the farming community and have a cancer experience, we would love to have your contributions.
You may like to start by introducing yourself and sharing your experiences around the following topics:
- How have you managed stock whilst going through treatment?
- What was the biggest challenge about living with cancer in a rural area?
- What support would you offer others who may be going through something similar?
You do not need to have all the answers or know exactly what to say. Sometimes simply reading other people’s experiences can help you feel less alone.
Join the conversation here.
The Macmillan Online Community is open to anyone affected by cancer, including people living with cancer, family members, carers and friends. We hope this space helps more people in farming and rural communities feel supported, understood and connected.