Clarkson’s Farm star Jeremy Clarkson shares cancer diagnosis: Information and support for cancer care in rural and farming communities

Macmillan understands that cancer affects many parts of people's lives. In rural areas, many businesses are family-owned. These businesses hire local people, so the community feels the impact of cancer.

Evidence shows:

• Farmers are at higher risk for certain cancers. Including skin cancer, prostate cancer, and cancers from exposure to harmful substances.
• Rural communities often have access to fewer local health services, limited access to transport and face long travel times. This is due to their work and the remote areas where they live.
• Living in a rural area makes you 5% less likely to survive a cancer diagnosis.
• People also told us that distance and travel play a major role in their experience of cancer care. Journeys for tests or treatment can involve long round trips, often during working hours, and can be physically exhausting during treatment.

Travel costs, weather disruption, and limited public or patient transport can all add extra strain for patients and carers, particularly in more remote areas. 

From conversations with the farming community, common themes about inequalities in accessing cancer care. include:  

• A lack of time to get off-farm to get health check-ups.
• Difficulty getting GP appointments that fit around rural and farming working patterns. 
• Appointment systems that rely on same day booking or telephone access 
• People often view aches, pains, or other physical changes (that could potentially be signs of cancer) as 'just part of the job.'
• A lack of knowledge of the support services that may be available. 

We are proud to be working with other charities and organisations like The Farming Community Network (FCN) to understand the realities of rural life and make sure support reaches people who might otherwise miss out. Our partnership helps us encourage people to seek help sooner, with tailored support created with and for rural communities, and bring services closer to where people live and work.

Together, we’re building a stronger bridge between Macmillan and farming communities so more people get the support they need, when they need it. Read more about our partnership with the Farming Community Network.

Macmillan is here to support you. If you would like to talk, you can: 

• Call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00. 
• Chat to our specialists online. 
• Our Online Community has a dedicated forum for people balancing farming and cancer. Share your experience or ask questions to connect with others in similar situations.  
• Visit FCN to find advice, call 03000 111 999 or email help@fcn.org.uk to connect with farming volunteers who understand the issues that people from this industry face 

This information has been written by Dr Owen Carter, revised and edited by Macmillan's Digital Content Editor team. Learn more about our Digital Content Editors and how we produce our cancer information. 

Accurate information helps you make informed choices. Look for trustworthy, reliable sources such as Macmillan Cancer Support, the NHS and your own healthcare team. 

We have more information on how to find reliable health information online and understanding cancer misinformation.