Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in Northern Ireland and over 400 people die from the disease each year. However, the good news is that early detection can make a real difference as to whether someone with bowel cancer survives. With this in mind, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of the disease. Bowel cancer can occur at any age and symptoms can include:

The number of diagnoses of uncomplicated gonorrhoea in 2012 is the highest ever recorded in Northern Ireland, new figures released today by the Public Health Agency (PHA) show.

As the glorious summer of 2013 continues and people from across Northern Ireland are heading out to celebrate the good weather with live music at festivals and concerts, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is warning about the dangers of taking drugs. The PHA is stressing that the only way to avoid all risks is to not take any drugs which are not prescribed for you. However, if you do decide to take drugs, there are a few guidelines which can help reduce the risk to your health and life. These include not mixing drugs with alcohol or other drugs and taking small amounts slowly.

With thousands of young people due to receive their exam results, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging parents to talk to their children about the risks associated with drinking and taking drugs. Exam results are a huge milestone for young people and many will go out socialising with friends after they receive their results. Owen O’Neill, the PHA’s Regional Lead on Alcohol and Drugs, said that parents’ attitudes and behaviours in relation to alcohol and drugs have a strong influence on their children: