THE NFU is supporting a Herefordshire group’s call for more regular prostate cancer checks among farmers and those living in isolated rural communities.

Herefordshire Prostate Cancer Support Group is urging farmers to come along to one of its coffee and chat sessions or just consider booking in for a health check as efforts are made to normalise conversations around the disease, help prevent it and ensure those affected by it feel supported.

More than 50,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and while survival rates have drastically improved it is felt that some may be unaware of the disease or simple checks that are available to aid diagnosis.

Fownhope farmer Martin Williams, NFU county chairman, said it remained important people looked after their health both physically and mentally and any effort to improve awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and patient support in the community was welcome.

He said: “Some of us are a little reluctant to get to the doctors for just a simple health check but I think it is vital that farmers of all ages continue to look after their health and wellbeing.

“I think Herefordshire Prostate Cancer Support Group is doing some really good work in the county and can give excellent advice and guidance.

“While it might feel like it is something and nothing it’s better to check or at least have that chat.

“An early check can hopefully lead to better treatment and recovery should there be any issue.”

Most are aged over 45 and the risk rises with age often with few, if any, symptoms.

The Herefordshire group provides guidance, resources and support in the community for those affected by prostate cancer as well as hosting group discussion sessions.

Farmers are invited to the group’s next coffee and chat sessions on April 14 at 10.30am at the Masonic Hall in Hereford.