30 Apr 2026
A volunteer with The Farming Community Network (FCN) has shared the challenges of caring for her husband through bowel cancer in a new short film:
The film 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.
The film has been created as part of the charities’ #NipItInTheBud campaign.
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.
In the film FCN volunteer Tracey Doherty, who lives in Northern Ireland, tells the story of the “difficult journey” of being both a wife and a carer.
She 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.
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.
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.”
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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.
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.
Read more about the Rural Communities Cancer Project here: https://fcn.org.uk/cancersupport/
