Caitriona Crawford - Rural Communities Cancer Project

Rural Road to Health

Catriona Crawford is a therapeutic radiographer by training, she is working with the Farming Community Network in Northern Ireland on the Rural Communities Cancer Project. This project partners with Macmillan Cancer Support to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer, the need for screening, and support that is available following a cancer diagnosis.

Episode summary:

00.45 Catriona tells us about her professional background and why how she got interest in rural health

07.00 What is the farming community network?

09.00 What is the rural communities cancer project?

12.00 Why was this project started?

15.30 What barriers exist for cancer care in Northern Ireland?

25.00 What is the project hoping to achieve?

29.25 Who else is getting involved in the project and what kind of partners are they looking for?

34.30 How can people support the project?

Key messages:

Rural patients (farmers) may choose to stop treatment due to the feeling of isolation and feeling far away from home. Often they have to travel long distances far from support networks, family and friends.

The farming community network is a voluntary organization that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of farmers. It is located throughout England and Wales, starting up in Northern Ireland and Scotland. Charity set up for farmers, by farmers.

Confidential national helpline for farmers which is available to anyone anywhere in the UK.

Rural communities cancer project is a UK wide partnership with UK Macmillan cancer support. Aims to raise awareness of cancer among farming communities and improve the knowledge and understanding of cancer in communities.

Macmillan found that rural patients were not uptaking support that they were providing for cancer patients.

Farmers can refuse treatment if they are worried about side effects affecting their ability to continue working on their farm. This has led to farmers stopping or not starting cancer treatment resulting in poorer outcomes.

Northern Ireland strategy for cancer care highlighted three main barriers to cancer care for rural communities: 1) access to services, 2) access to travel and 3) scheduling of appointment times.

Available research and data does not reflect what is seen in practice and what is happening in rural communities. We need better statistics on late cancer presentations based on geography or data on the psychological and financial impact of having to receive treatment far from home. How many people from rural backgrounds are not accessing support services?

There is a lack of understanding and awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer, the project aims to improve this and help people understand what Macmillan cancer support does.

It is important to target locations that farmers go to such as sports clubs, schools, and agricultural shows.

It is important to understand that these communities engage with people and organizations that they trust.

Farming Community Network: https://fcn.org.uk/

Macmillan Cancer Support: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/

Contact Catriona: [e-mail]

Rural Health Compass - Navigating rural health and policy.

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