Sheep farmer shares breast cancer survival story

A Ceredigion sheep farmer is sharing her breast cancer experience ahead of World Cancer Day on Wednesday 4 February to encourage rural communities to recognise symptoms and seek medical advice early.

Carol Hope, from Abermeurig, near Lampeter, has spoken publicly in a new awareness video released as part of the Rural Communities Cancer Project and the #NipItInTheBud campaign.

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Ms Hope said: “It can be easy to put things off, especially when farming work comes first. But if something doesn’t feel right, it’s so important to get it checked. Early diagnosis can make all the difference.”

Ms Hope was diagnosed with breast cancer after noticing a lump the night before Christmas Day in 2021.

She contacted her GP and subsequently underwent a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis.

She then received six months of chemotherapy to shrink the tumour, followed by a mastectomy and radiotherapy.

Chemotherapy began in March, coinciding with the lambing season, a period when she had to step back from day-to-day farming work.

Ms Hope described the impact of her diagnosis on those around her, saying: “The hardest part was to tell family and friends because things were going to change.

“Once I got the diagnosis, my diary was full of appointments. My family took on the role of being my carer in a way. I feel in some respects it was worse for them than it was for me.”

Senedd reception

The video was shared publicly at a Senedd reception on 13 January, attended by representatives from the farming and health sectors, who pledged support for the campaign.

The #NipItInTheBud campaign is a UK-wide partnership between the Farming Community Network (FCN) and Macmillan Cancer Support, aimed at raising awareness of cancer symptoms in farming and rural communities.

Linda Jones, FCN national manager for Wales, said: “Personal stories like Carol’s play a vital role in breaking down barriers around talking about health concerns. We know that people in farming often delay seeking help, sometimes until symptoms become serious.

“The #NipItInTheBud campaign is about encouraging early action – trusting your instincts and speaking to a doctor sooner rather than later.”