Two Aberdeenshire farmers are sharing a powerful message on the importance of getting health checks for prostate cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK.
Pat Machray OBE, president of the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), and Bert Maitland, vice president, share a mutual determination to encourage fellow farmers to speak openly about the disease and the importance of early diagnosis.
The two farmers spoke to the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI) recently about their prostate cancer journeys .
RSABI is a charity which supports people in Scottish agriculture, with the aim of raising awareness in the farming community.
According to Prostate Cancer UK, around one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with the likelihood increasing due to factors such as ethnicity and family history.
Both farmers emphasised that people working in agriculture too often do not prioritise their own health but that with something like prostate cancer, it is vital to act on any symptoms without delay.
Pat Machray said: “The support from the family was tremendous and from friends and colleagues who knew that I had it, because I was quite open about it once I discovered that I did have cancer. I thought, I’m not going to hide from it.”
“Why wouldn’t you be open?, its nothing to hide, its nothing to be ashamed of, its just life.”
Bert Maitland said: ” I think the simple message is just get your PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tested, its good for you, you’ll catch it early hopefully and its good for your family life.”
Health Hut
Prostate cancer awareness is also a theme highlighted by RSABI’s Health Hut team of doctors and nurses, all with a farming background.
Information about prostate cancer and the symptoms to look out for is available on the Health Hut stands at auction marts, shows and other events throughout the year and through Prostate Cancer UK website.
These efforts will be stepped up this summer as part of the commitment to raising awareness of the disease in the farming community. The RHASS Presidential Initiative will support RSABI in increasing its activities with a major drive planned for the 2026 Royal Highland Show.
Carol McLaren, chief executive of the RSABI said: “We are delighted to be able to share such a valuable and powerful message as part of the RHASS Presidential Initiative this year and our thanks to Pat and Bert for sharing their own stories in such a compelling and inspirational way.
“By encouraging people to be more open about this disease and to take action quickly to seek medical advice if they have any concerns, the initiative will almost certainly help to save lives.”
RSABI offers free practical, financial, and emotional support including counselling services, delivered quickly after receiving the initial enquiry.