To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has considered providing cancer awareness training to community groups and agri-businesses in rural areas.

It is particularly important that we reach out to communities and those living and working in rural areas, to ensure that they have access to health awareness, prevention and early intervention initiatives.

The Farming Community Network & Rural Community Cancer Project (‘Nip in the Bud’) project brings together The Farming Community Network (FCN) and Macmillan Cancer Support to raise awareness of the importance of early detection and prevention of cancer among the rural and agriculture community.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) are also working in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to develop and co-fund the Farm Families Health Checks Programme (FFHC). The Programme has been successfully delivered by the Northern Trust since 2012, as a means of improving the health and social wellbeing of rural and farming families within Northern Ireland.

In addition, the PHA works closely with the Department of Health, local Health and Social Care Trusts, and other partners to support a range of programmes and strategies that incorporate cancer awareness training to community groups and agri-businesses in rural areas, including:

The Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy and Action Plan 2011-2021.

Digital and targeted media campaigns and resources for the wider population and high-risk groups e.g. ‘Care in the Sun’ and ‘Be UV Aware’ campaign resources for outdoor workers.

Dissemination of sun safety resources at rural events, sports organisations and summer schemes e.g. Royal Ulster Agricultural Society Shows and The Open.

Provision of training and e-learning modules for health professionals to recognise early signs of cancer, available to GP’s, HSENI, pharmacists, dermatologists, environmental health officers, teachers, HSC Trusts, clinical students and beauty therapists.