A WOMAN from Galloway appears in a new video sharing her breast cancer journey, in a bid to raise awareness among other females in agriculture.
Mary Anne McWilliam, right, has taken part in the campaign launched by agricultural charity RSABI, to encourage early detection of the disease in the farming community.
With women in agriculture often balancing multiple responsibilities—from working on the farm to raising families—the Health Hut team at RSABI is urging people to prioritise their own health and wellbeing, particularly during the busy lambing and spring work period.
It’s something Mary Anne, who is a RSABI team member, knows all too well after she discovered a lump in October 2015.
She acted immediately and her GP referred her to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary where she went on to receive a full cancer diagnosis within a day of undergoing various tests.
She said: “My husband, Alastair, was with me when I got the call. He put his arm around me because he knew then that we were facing something going forward.
“After I met the consultant, I was given a date only two weeks later for surgery which was followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. My friends and family supported me through every step. A problem shared is a problem halved—and bottling it up doesn’t do you any good.”
Mary Anne is now giving back by volunteering monthly at Stranraer Cancer Drop-in Centre where she was supported her through her treatment, and she continues to advocate for early detection.
“I appreciate that there are busy times of the year on farms and people might be inclined to put off going to see a GP but it’s imperative that you go as soon as you notice anything unusual and get whatever treatment is required, then the chances are much greater that you’re going to have a non-recurrence and completely recover from it,” she said.
RSABI highlights that while breast cancer is more common in women over 50, it can affect people of any age and gender. Indeed, about 390 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year.
Early detection is paramount to allow early treatment and good life outcomes.
Further advice and resources are available at:
www.breastcanceruk.org.uk
www.macmillan.org.uk
RSABI offers free practical, financial, and emotional support including counselling services, by calling 0808 1234 555 or www.rsabi.org.uk.https://coppafeel.org
