Tenovus Cancer Care is encouraging the farming community to seek help if they are worried about symptoms.
Although people living in rural areas have lower overall cancer rates, research shows that their chances of surviving cancer are lower than those in urban areas. This is often due to later-stage diagnoses, which can occur because it may take longer for rural residents to seek medical help or get referred to specialists.
The nature of farming, where taking time off for medical appointments is challenging, can contribute to this delay. Unfortunately, this can lead to symptoms being ignored and cancer potentially developing to a more advanced stage or spreading to other areas of the body.
“If it wasn’t for my Emma, my partner, begging me to go last year the outcome could have been far worse.”
Early diagnosis
Getting diagnosed early saves lives. If you notice anything that isn’t normal for you, it’s important to speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
As well as the better-known symptoms, like lumps and bumps, some other general things to look out for include weight loss, tiredness, or unexplained pain. Experiencing any of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer but it’s important to get it checked out.
If you are worried about cancer, Tenovus Cancer Care is here to help. Its wide range of bilingual services offers information, advice, and specialist support to people living with cancer, and their loved ones.
John's story
One person who recently benefited from these services and is encouraging others to seek help is John.
Resident farmers of rural Rhuddlan, Denbighshire, rallied after John was diagnosed with bowel cancer which had spread to his liver last year. Charities, including Tenovus Cancer Care, also stepped in to help him.
The 53-year-old agricultural fencing specialist now wants to raise awareness and give something back to the close-knit community he cherishes.
Symptoms
“I want to make people aware of cancer symptoms and the importance of going to the doctor to check things out if something isn’t right.
“If it wasn’t for my Emma, my partner, begging me to go last year the outcome could have been far worse.”
John delayed making an appointment with the doctor as he put his symptoms down to stress. He finally went last August, five months after first experiencing symptoms.
“I honestly thought the bad stomachs were me being worried because work was quiet, and I was struggling for money.
Diagnosis
“My doctor diagnosed mild depression because of how things were but sent me for blood tests. I also did a stool test.
“My bloods came back fine but there was concern over “quite a lot” of blood in my stools.
“I went for tests in Glan Clwyd in October. The consultant told me I had bowel cancer which had spread to my liver. It was a total shock.
“Emma took it badly. That person who cares for you is thinking it’s the end.
“You hear of so many people dying from cancer, not those who survive. Panic sets in. I was just trying to be strong.”
Seeking help
Being able to talk to a counsellor at Tenovus Cancer Care has made all the difference to John. He was able to access six free counselling sessions following a referral from the hospital.
“Tammy (my Counsellor) understood entirely what I was going through. I could talk to someone independently of everyone else who knew me, and she was good.
“She advised me to make myself a priority, which was hard to do, but I knew I needed to put my own health first. To concentrate on me.”
John was also able to access financial support from other charities including RABI.
“I’ve always worked – taken great pride in my work - I’d never claimed anything before and been self-sufficient. The financial help I received from charities was a massive help.”
“Whatever happens, I just want to give back to people who helped me now, to look after them like they’ve helped me."
The future
John is as positive as he can be about his future.
“I’m told my outcome should be good as I’m fit and live in the country where there’s plenty of clean, fresh air. Healthy living helps.
“Whatever happens, I just want to give back to people who helped me now, to look after them like they’ve helped me.
“I have already encouraged people I know here to do the bowel cancer kit test that’s sent in the post.
“There are so many people to thank. I don’t want to leave anyone out. I am so just so grateful to everyone.”
On-farm event
On 14 September, John will be holding an event called 'Behind the Gates' in Rhuddlan, organised with help from friends in the community. Read more about the event on the Tenovus Cancer Care website.
Contacting Tenovus Cancer Care
More information about Tenovus Cancer Care and its services can be found at www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk or by calling 0808 808 1010 free of charge.