Free cancer checks offered at NSA Sheep Event

Farmers attending this month’s NSA Sheep Event will be able to access free prostate and skin cancer checks as part of a drive to improve rural health.

The Farming Community Network (FCN), working with Macmillan Cancer Support and healthcare professionals, will offer the checks at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, on Tuesday 28 July.

Farmers aged 40 and over can book a free prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test at Stand 68, delivered by The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust.

See also: FCN urges farmers to nip cancer symptoms in the bud

The test can help identify potential prostate problems at an early stage.

Appointments must be booked in advance using the code FCN26.

Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but visitors will need to purchase an NSA Sheep Event ticket to access the venue.

Nurses from Worcester Acute Hospitals will also provide free skin cancer checks and advice throughout the day.

Improving awareness

FCN staff will be available to discuss the Rural Communities Cancer Project and its #NipItInTheBud campaign, which aims to improve cancer awareness in farming communities and encourage people to seek help sooner.

The charity will also launch the English edition of its new publication, A Guide for Farming Families Affected by Cancer (opens in PDF), developed with people who have experienced cancer while working in agriculture.

Alex Phillimore, head of operations and communications at FCN, said cancer can cause unique challenges for people living in farming and rural communities.

“Many farmers struggle to make time to attend GP appointments and to prioritise their own health and wellbeing,” he said.

“We hope that by bringing these services to farmers, we can provide a convenient way for them to get themselves checked whilst attending the NSA Sheep Event.”