Living Well: Cancer screening saves lives campaign

It is estimated one in two of us will develop some form of cancer during our lifetime. However, due to the many advances in diagnosis, treatment and care cancer survival rates have almost doubled in the past 50 years.

While healthy lifestyle choices can help to reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, cancer screening is very important. Regular screening helps detect certain cancers even before there are symptoms.

The ‘Cancer screening saves lives’ campaign aims to increase awareness of the cancer screening programmes available in Northern Ireland and to encourage all who are eligible to participate. The campaign will run throughout April and May 2024 in Living Well community pharmacies.

Living Well is a community-based pharmacy service offered in over 500 pharmacies across Northern Ireland. It is delivered in partnership with the Public Health Agency, Community Pharmacy NI, and the Department of Health. The service supports people in improving their health and wellbeing by:

•    raising awareness of various public health messages and campaigns;
•    sharing of health and wellbeing information;
•    signposting to a relevant health professional, service or support in the community;
•    using behavioural interventions, if appropriate.

Through the Living Well service, pharmacies help address risk factors that contribute to ill health in Northern Ireland. 

During the campaign period, customers and patients are encouraged to visit their local community pharmacy to find out more about the cancer screening programmes available and to pick up the leaflet, Don’t ignore your cancer screening invite, when there.

For more information on the individual cancer screening programmes go to:

www.nidirect.gov.uk/bowel-screening

www.nidirect.gov.uk/breast-screening

www.nidirect.gov.uk/cervical-screening