The word ‘cancer’, or ‘the big C’ can be a scary word to hear. It can not only change an individual’s life, but that of their family, and family business. However, by seeking prompt medical attention from your local GP and allied health professionals, the outcome can be much more positive than often feared.

Cancer is a condition whereby cells in a specific part of, or organ in, the body start to reproduce uncontrollably, destroying surrounding healthy tissue and organs. It can spread from one part of the body to another.

It is becoming increasingly common, with one in two people expected to develop a type of cancer within their lifetime. With advances in modern medicine there are more treatments available for cancer, meaning that - depending on the type of cancer - an individual can live a long and healthy life following their treatment. However, there are unfortunately cancers for which treatment options are limited. These can have devastating consequences for the individual and their family.

RSABI Health HutRSABI Health Hut The farming and rural community as a whole generally have less access to support and services associated with cancer, due to predominantly living in isolated areas. A study by Newcastle University, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Centre, found that people in rural areas tend to have more advanced cancer when they are diagnosed. The reason may be that people in rural areas can take longer to seek help with cancer symptoms.

Farming does have certain pressures which other types of work don’t, such as seasonal work for example. During the busy harvest season, a farmer’s priority might not be making a GP appointment if there are still acres of barley to harvest, and a limited amount of time before the rain comes on again. This is a barrier to accessing healthcare. However, as with most things in life, early action is vital and the key message is to act quickly on any symptoms you might have.

Information from Cancer Research UK states that there are over 200 different cancers that can cause a wide range of symptoms. However, there are more general symptoms which shouldn’t be ignored such as:

• Very heavy night sweats or fever This can be a side effect of medication, caused by infection or due to menopause in women. However, speak to your GP if you have very heavy night sweats or unexplained fever.

• Fatigue or extreme tiredness There are many reasons for this such as a busy time of year on the farm or a stressful event, but if you’re feeling tired all the time with no clear reason it could be a sign of something underlying.

• Unexplained bleeding or bruises Blood in your pee or poo, vomiting or coughing up blood and any other unexplained bleeding and bruising should always be checked out by a GP. Blood can be fresh and red in colour, or older blood can be darker brown and black.

• Unexplained aches & pains Farmers and agricultural workers tend to have aches and pains at some point, and this often happens as we get older too. However unexplained and persistent pain could be a sign of something more serious.

• Unexplained weight loss If you have lost a noticeable amount of weight without trying to, please speak to your GP.

• Unusual lump or swelling Lumps or swelling in any part of your body warrant a check by your GP. Lumps in your neck, armpit, stomach, groin, chest, breast or testicle should not be ignored.

Cancer Research UK reassuringly say that most of these general symptoms are caused by something less serious than cancer. The Scottish Government runs a “get checked early” campaign and has a website with lots of information www.getcheckedearly.org including what screening opportunities are available.

If you do notice something that isn’t normal for you, even if it isn’t listed here, please don’t ignore it. Speak to your GP as soon as you can to get the right support, and onward referral if necessary. You know your body best, and often a gut feeling is a symptom on its own.

Further information and advice can be found at:

www.macmillan.org.uk

www.cancerresearchuk.org

RSABI’s Helpline is 24 hours offering practical, emotional and financial support on 0808 1234 555.

Laura Lumsden

Laura is one of a growing team of enthusiastic nurses and doctors in RSABI’s Health Hut team. She has strong roots in agriculture, having grown up on the family’s mixed arable farm near Turriff, where she is the fifth generation to farm.

Laura studied nursing at The Robert Gordon University where she graduated in 2012, before completing a further degree in Public Health.

She feels lucky to be able to combine both nursing and farming through her involvement with RSABI’s health hut at Thainstone mart and enjoyed meeting farmers at the summer shows (supported by the ANM Group Charitable Trust) to check blood pressures and ensure farmers are keeping well.

Forthcoming Health Hut dates:

Oct 8 – Thainstone - Aberdeen & Northern Marts

Oct 10 – Ayr - Craig Wilson Marts

Oct - 14 – Oban – United Auctions

Oct – 17– Lanark – Lawrie & Symington

Oct 26 – Stirling – United Auctions

Oct 30 – Dingwall – Dingwall & Highland Marts

Nov 13 – AgriScot

Nov 16 - Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Nov 20 - Dingwall – Dingwall & Highland Marts

Nov 22 and 23 – LiveScot

Nov 25 and 26 – Christmas Classic, Thainstone – Aberdeen & Northern Marts

Dec 3 – Caithness – Aberdeen & Northern Marts

Dec 10 – Dingwall – Dingwall & Highland Marts