‘There are so many people to help you’ – farmers share their prostate cancer journeys
2nd March 2026
Two Aberdeenshire farmers are sharing a powerful message on the importance of regular 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, RHASS vice president, share a mutual determination to encourage fellow farmers to speak openly about the disease and the importance of early diagnosis.
The men share their own stories about being diagnosed with prostate cancer in two videos filmed by RSABI, the 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. A key message from both farmers is that, with early detection and prompt treatment, the prognosis is very good.
Bert said: “I think the simple message is just to get your PSA tested. This allows you to catch the cancer early. Get it done for your family because if you don’t, you could end up with a stage four prostate issue, and it won’t be cured nearly as easily as it is by catching it early.”
Pat added: “The support I received from family, friends and colleagues was wonderful. I was very open about having prostate cancer – why wouldn’t I be? It happened. That’s life. The NHS and UCAN (the Urological Cancer Charity) were faultless with their support and professionalism.
“There are so many people there to help you, and they will do all they can. If you have any symptoms or any concerns at all, please go and get tested.”
Watch Pat’s cancer journey:
Respond to any symptoms immediately
Both farmers emphasise that people working in agriculture too often do not prioritise their own health, but when it comes to conditions like prostate cancer, it is crucial to respond to any symptoms immediately.
Prostate cancer awareness is also a theme highlighted by RSABI’s Health Hut team of doctors and nurses, all with farming backgrounds.
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 via the Prostate Cancer UK website.
This is set to be stepped up this summer as part of the commitment to raising awareness of the disease in the farming community and will see the RHASS Presidential Initiative supporting RSABI to increase its activities with a major drive planned for the 2026 Royal Highland Show.
“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,” said Carol McLaren, RSABI chief executive.
“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 is proud to help them share this message, which we’re sure will be a wonderful legacy as a key focus of the RHASS Aberdeenshire Presidential Initiative.”
RSABI offers free practical, financial, and emotional support, including counselling services, delivered quickly after receiving the initial enquiry. Its free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls will not show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website.
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Watch Bert’s cancer journey:
