This Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month [March], the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. From 2016 – 2020, there were around 200 cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed in Northern Ireland each year. The PHA is urging women to speak to their GP as soon as possible if they notice any of the common symptoms. Dr Louise Herron, Consultant in Service Development and Screening at the PHA said: “Ovarian cancer is more common in women who have been through the menopause, usually in those over the age of 50, but it can also affect younger women

With the first lambs appearing in the fields, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding pregnant women about the risk of close contact with sheep during lambing season. The PHA is advising women who are, or think they may be, pregnant to reduce their risk of miscarriage and infection by avoiding close contact with sheep during lambing season, which runs until around the end of April. Dr Claire Neill, Consultant in Public Health at the PHA, said: “Pregnant women who come into close contact with sheep during lambing may be risking their own health and that of their unborn child from infections

The Public Health Dietitians Group (PHDG) has launched a new video series on its YouTube channel ‘Public Health Dietitians’ with expert advice on how to eat well during pregnancy. The series aims to give guidance to expecting mums and those planning a pregnancy, on how to make healthier food choices, foods to avoid, vitamin supplements to consider and managing pregnancy symptoms. There is also guidance on how to eat well after having a baby and tips for breastfeeding. The Public Health Dietitians channel is a partnership between the PHDG Northern Ireland and the Public Health Agency (PHA) and

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is emphasising the importance of getting the MMR vaccine as it confirmed that one case of measles has been diagnosed in Northern Ireland. Close contacts have been notified and all appropriate public health actions are being undertaken. The PHA is urging children and young adults who have not received both doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to do so as soon as possible, to reduce their risk of catching and spreading measles. The agency has recently activated a mass vaccination drive in collaboration with health trusts and GP surgeries for all

This Sexual Health Week (12-18 February) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting that different types of contraception work for different people so ‘Take Your Pick’. There are a range of contraceptives to help prevent unplanned pregnancy available to suit everyone’s needs and what works best will depend on what matters to you. It is also important to remember that only condoms can protect against both Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy. Frances Dowds, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “Your sexual health and wellbeing is