By Michael Kenwood

Copyright belfastlive

A Northern Ireland council is to adopt a campaign that gives cancer awareness support for rural residents to save lives through early diagnosis. Ards and North Down Borough Council has endorsed the “Nip It In The Bud” campaign, which is delivered by the Farming Community Network in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support. At the September full meeting of the council at Bangor Castle, elected representatives ratified a committee decision to raise awareness for rural dwellers in the borough, to be aware of the symptoms of cancer and therefore save lives, particularly using social media platforms. READ MORE: NI council declares war on irresponsible professional dog walkers READ MORE: Controversial planning development to go ahead in Holywood despite objector’s petition The campaign stresses the need to seek immediate medical advice if necessary, as evidence demonstrates that early diagnosis and treatment can save lives. The council motion, by DUP Alderman Stephen McIlveen, states: “This council notes the importance of farmers and rural dwellers to our society. It recognises that farmers, agricultural workers and people living in rural communities can have lower access to cancer services due to the nature of their work and often through living in isolated areas. “We also recognise the impact that a cancer diagnosis can have on a family business such as a family farm, including housing, the extended family, and the welfare of livestock.” In Northern Ireland, around 36 percent of the population live in rural areas. Research shows that people within rural communities are often diagnosed with cancer at a later stage compared to those in urban areas. People living in rural areas are 5 percent less likely to survive cancer. Early diagnosis saves lives. For example, bowel cancer, if caught at stage one survival rates are as high as 98 percent, but if diagnosed at stage 4 the survival rate drops to 8 percent. The “Nip It In The Bud” campaign provides practical resources, including materials for agribusinesses, community groups, schools and local employers. They focus on cancers that particularly affect farmers such as skin cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer. The campaign also highlights support available for migrant workers who may struggle to navigate complex medical systems in a second language. In Northern Ireland, the campaign is led by Katrina Crawford, a qualified radiographer, alongside George Doherty who has lived through bowel cancer on three separate occasions. Alderman Stephen McIlveen at the Corporate Services Committee meeting thanked George Doherty for reaching out to him, raising the issue with the council and for sharing his personal story. Alderman McIlveen said: “This campaign is not just about awareness, it is about saving lives.” He added: “For many (rural dwellers), especially farmers, life presents unique challenges. Farmers often put their livestock, crops and family responsibilities first, with their own health often coming last. When symptoms appear, many are hesitant to see a doctor until the disease is already advanced. “According to clinicians, that is becoming a serious concern. Whilst some of the evidence is anecdotal, the trend is clear, later diagnosis means poorer outcomes. “Living in the countryside brings with it many joys, but also challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare. Rural dwellers, especially farmers and agricultural workers, face difficulties getting GP appointments that fit around long working hours. “Transport challenges, distance, costs, travel times and limited availability of services in isolated services are some of the barriers, along with language and cultural barriers for migrant workers who make up part of the farming workforce.” Alderman McIlveen said that the campaign was not just about distributing information, it was about changing attitudes, encouraging farmers “not to view a doctor’s appointment as a disruption but rather as an investment in their family’s life and future.” For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter