This World Cancer Day (Wednesday 4 February) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to be more aware of their bodies and to contact their GP if something doesn’t feel right. Cancer is a common condition. It is estimated that around 1-in-2 of us will develop some form of cancer in our lifetime and being aware of changes to our body can help earlier diagnosis and help improve chances of successful treatment. Dr Louise Herron, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Everyone knows what feels ‘normal’ for them and it’s important to be aware of any changes in your body

A new campaign – ‘immunise, protect, thrive’ – focussing on the importance of childhood immunisations has been launched in community pharmacies across Northern Ireland. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of vaccination and highlight that it is the most important thing you can do to protect your child from ill health. The campaign will run during February and March 2026 and supports the new vaccination schedule changes which commenced on 1 January 2026. Living Well is offered in over 500 pharmacies across Northern Ireland and provides information and advice on public health

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are reminding people not to forget to pack their sunscreen when getting ready for their winter getaway, whether it’s to the beach or the ski slopes. Frances Dowds, Health and Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “UV rays can be every bit as damaging for winter holidaymakers. Therefore, it is extremely important to take steps to protect your skin and stay safe in the sun, whether you are heading to the ski slopes or jetting off for some winter sun. “Sunlight helps provide our bodies with vitamin D, supports bone health

It may be January, but the first lambs have already started to appear in fields across Northern Ireland, so it’s a timely reminder to pregnant women from the Public Health Agency (PHA) of the potential risks associated with close contact with sheep during lambing season. The PHA advises women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant to take precautions to reduce the risk of miscarriage and infection by avoiding close contact with sheep, particularly during lambing season, which typically runs until the end of April. Dr Patrick McAleavey Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said:

This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding women of the importance of attending for cervical screening when invited. Screening is aimed at detecting early cell changes that could go on to develop into cancer if they are not treated. Between 2018 and 2022, there was an average of 84 people diagnosed with cervical cancer annually in Northern Ireland, with around 21 deaths per year. Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented thanks to screening, so it is really important to