Ahead of World Cancer Day on Sunday 4 February, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to take notice of their bodies and reach out to their GP if they feel something isn’t right. Dr Louise Herron, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA said: “Everyone knows what is ‘normal’ for them and it’s important to be aware of any changes in your body but there are some common changes and symptoms to look out for and act on. Being aware of the general signs and symptoms of cancer can help in early detection and increase your chance of survival. “Cancer is a common condition. It is

As part of the Living Well service, community pharmacies are highlighting the importance of why those who drink alcohol should ‘Know Your Units’. The ‘Know Your Units’ campaign aims to increase awareness of the UK Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines of not drinking regularly more than 14 units per week, and the health risks associated with drinking alcohol in excess of these guidelines. The campaign will run in over 500 community pharmacies throughout February and March 2024 as part of the ‘Living Well’ service, a partnership between the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI)

A knitting group has been busy knitting boobs to help support breastfeeding mums. The ‘Knit and Natter’ group meets twice a week at Arc Healthy Living Centre in Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh, providing an opportunity for people in the community to connect and share a passion for all things knitting. Sharon Duncan is part of the group that helped to knit over 20 boobs that will be used as teaching aids to support breastfeeding mums. Sharon said: “We were delighted to be able to do our bit to support breastfeeding mums. A few of the group members got together and decided to give it a go and they

This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (22–28 January), the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding women of the importance of attending for cervical screening when invited. This comes after the Northern Ireland Cervical Screening Programme introduced full primary HPV screening into the cervical screening pathway in December, which will increase the ability to detect early cell changes that could lead to cancer Dr Tracy Owen, Deputy 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

With the most vulnerable groups having been prioritised, the current influenza vaccination programme is now being extended to include everyone aged 50 to 64 years old. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone in this category, and those in other eligible groups including all health and social care workers, to come forward now and take the opportunity to get vaccinated to help protect themselves and those around them. The call comes as flu activity continues to increase. Getting vaccinated will help protect more people from flu and help to relieve possible further pressure on the

Cold weather can have a serious impact on our health, and with temperatures dropping, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has some advice for keeping warm at home. Tracey Colgan, Senior Health and Wellbeing Improvement Officer at the PHA, said: “Many people may be reluctant to put on their household heating with energy costs at high levels, but being cold poses serious health risks, particularly for older people and those with heart and lung problems, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections. “Cold homes can also cause and worsen respiratory conditions and