Evidence shows breast screening is the most reliable way of detecting early breast cancer at a stage when treatment is usually simpler and more successful, therefore reducing deaths. Breast cancer treatment is most effective when the cancer is detected at an early stage – 97% of women diagnosed through screening survive at least five years compared to 84% for all breast cancer patients.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) will be joining the Belfast Pride celebrations in Custom House Square this Saturday (30 July), where information on health and wellbeing issues that affect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGB&T) people in Northern Ireland will also be provided. The PHA was set up to promote and enhance the factors that influence good health and wellbeing, and to reduce the avoidable and unjust differences in health experienced by the best and the worst-off in our society.

An award-winning public health information film, Closet Full of Lies, gets its premiere at the launch of this year’s Belfast Pride in the Europa Hotel on 23 July. The short film, produced by young Derry man Shay O’Donnell, gives a glimpse into the life of a man struggling with issues related to his sexuality. Closet Full of Lies won 1st prize for ‘Best Moving Image’ in the Public Health Agency (PHA) Western Investing for Health (WIFH) Partnership Student Media Awards, held in the North West Regional College last March.

**Press release produced by 1visionpr on behalf of TSUK** The local organising committee of the Westfield Health British Transplant Games welcomes the Transplant Games Torch to Belfast to kick-start this year’s events with the support of proud sponsor Belfast City Airport and transplant athletes.

The findings of a Public Health Agency (PHA) evaluation report on a suicide prevention training programme were today presented at the North South Ministerial Council Health Sector meeting.

The Public Health Agency is aware that the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has been dealing with two linked cases of TB and a third possible case. As is usual practice, health protection experts at PHA have been working closely with the Trust on the public health management and follow up of contacts, in line with national guidance.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) supports the Chief Medical Officer’s first UK-wide physical activity guidelines, launched today. Dr Carolyn Harper, Director of Public Health for Northern Ireland, said: "The PHA welcomes the new guidelines which highlight the established link between physical activity levels and reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and obesity.