WATCH: Farming Community Network carer Tracey Doherty reveals hardship of supporting husband through bowel cancer - 'No one really thinks that the loved one is suffering too'
Farming Community Network volunteer Tracey Doherty, from Northern Ireland, has told her story of the “difficult journey” of being both a wife and a carer.
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month (April), has been developed by FCN as part of the Rural Communities Cancer Project – a UK-wide partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support working to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer in farming and rural communities.
It is designed to raise awareness of bowel cancer, in addition to the vital role carers play supporting loved ones who receive a cancer diagnosis.
Tracey explains how she encouraged her husband to visit his GP after noticing symptoms, and how, through her persistence, he was diagnosed with bowel cancer at an early stage.
This early diagnosis proved vital in his treatment and recovery.
She explained that over the past two decades, Tracey’s husband has faced three separate bowel cancer diagnoses, with Tracey supporting him throughout each stage of his treatment.
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, yet when diagnosed early, outcomes are significantly improved.
If detected at stage one, the five-year survival rate is around 90%.
However, when diagnosed at stage four, this falls dramatically to just 10%, underlining the importance of recognising symptoms early and seeking medical advice without delay.
A report by Carers NI found carers living in rural communities can face additional challenges to those who love in urban areas, including limited access to local social care services, difficulties accessing healthcare professionals and increased travelling distance and time.
These barriers can leave carers feeling isolated at a time when support is most needed.
Tracey’s experience highlights not only the importance of early detection, but also the ongoing emotional and practical impact cancer has on those caring for loved ones.
Tracey said: "There are times when as a wife, as a loved one, you feel very alone.
"You feel as no one hears you and you don't really have a voice.
"No one really thinks that the loved one is suffering too.
"It's important to talk to people about how you feel.
"Friends and family are good for this. Let them be a shoulder for you to cry on.
"Macmillan are also there. For me, when I was sometimes at my lowest points, I would pick up the phone and contact Macmillan."
The #NipItInTheBud campaign encourages anyone who is worried about their health to contact their GP and seek advice, reinforcing the message that early presentation can save lives.
The campaign is being expanded to encourage early access to support - highlighting the support available through the Macmillan Support Line, the Macmillan website and online community, and money advisors services provided by Macmillan Cancer Support.
Caitriona Crawford, National Manager (Northern Ireland) for The Farming Community Network, said: “This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, we are highlighting the powerful and often unseen experiences of those caring for loved ones impacted by cancer, alongside the importance of early diagnosis and its life-saving impact.
“Cancer can be an incredibly difficult time, not only for the patient but for their loved ones who quickly become carers and find themselves navigating unfamiliar services, new medications, side effects, and the emotional toll of seeing someone they love become unwell or frightened.
“These challenges are often heightened in rural communities, where distance from treatment hospitals and wider wraparound care can add further pressure.
“That is why Tracey’s story is so important. It highlights the need for carers to seek support early, whether through friends and family, Macmillan Cancer Support services, or other local charities, before things become overwhelming. It is vital to #NipItInTheBud and look after your own wellbeing so you can continue to care for your loved one.”
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones.
Call free on 0808 808 00 00 to speak to an information and support adviser or cancer information nurse specialist. Available 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.
The Farming Community Network: The Farming Community Network (FCN) is a UK-wide voluntary organisation and charity that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people in farming and ‘walk with’ people at times of difficulty and change.
FCN has a wide network of volunteers, many of whom are involved in farming, or have close links with agriculture and therefore have a great understanding of the issues farm workers and farming families regularly face.
Our volunteers provide free and confidential support to anyone who seeks help, regardless of whether the issue is personal or business-related.
You can learn more about volunteering with FCN here: fcn.org.uk/volunteering
In addition to local groups of volunteers, FCN runs a confidential national helpline (03000 111 999, open 7am-11pm every day of the year) and e-helpline ([email protected]).