Over 150 farmers receive prostate and skin cancer checks at NSA Sheep Event thanks to FCN

Over 150 farmers received prostate and skin cancer health checks this week at the NSA Sheep Event at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern.

The tests were delivered as part of the Rural Communities Cancer Project – a UK-wide partnership between The Farming Community Network (FCN) and Macmillan Cancer Support working to raise awareness of cancer in farming and rural communities and encourage early detection.

During the event, Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests were delivered by The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust.

PSA testing is a simple blood test that can help to detect potential prostate issues early.

80 PSA tests were conducted during the event.

Among those tested were Stephen Dennis, FCN’s Regional Manager (South West), and NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker.

Nurses from Worcester Acute Hospitals also provided skin cancer checks and advice throughout the day.

82 individuals were checked for skin abnormalities and received healthcare advice from the nurses.

One farmer who received a PSA test and a skin cancer check said: “I keep putting off getting myself checked. I know I should do it more often. I better get it done while I’m here!”

Alex Phillimore, Head of Operations and Communications at The Farming Community Network, said: “It was really encouraging to see how busy the stand was during the day, with a constant stream of people asking the specialists teams to check them and to talk about their health and wellbeing. Quite a few farmers told us they were grateful for the opportunity and how convenient we had made it for them. We know how busy farmers are, so where possible bringing these services to them directly can make such a difference.”

FCN volunteers were also present on the day, highlighting the many ways in which FCN can support people with personal and business-related issues or concerns.

Read more about the Rural Communities Cancer Project here: https://fcn.org.uk/cancersupport/