AQW 45825/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 08/05/2026
Answered On Date: 28/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any public awareness campaigns his Department (i) has delivered, in the last three years; and (ii) plans to deliver, to improve awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Answer:

Due to significant budgetary pressures mass media campaigns were paused in 2023. Communications activity is therefore being delivered mainly through low-cost and non-paid-for channels. While the pause remains in place, non-paid-for awareness raising continues, and includes targeted use of social media, engagement with local media, the provision of online information, and ongoing partnership work with local charities.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) Be Cancer Aware (BCA) campaign focuses on increasing public awareness of cancer. This includes raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancers and encouraging early GP contact, promoting uptake of screening programmes, and highlighting lifestyle factors that influence cancer risk.

The Be Cancer Aware website provides information on symptoms of various cancers, including ovarian cancer, and directs people to further information and support: www.BeCancerAwareNi.info/Ovarian-Cancer.

During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in March every year, the PHA also promotes cancer awareness through press and social media activity that is focused on early symptom recognition. More information is available at: www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/ovarian-cancer-awareness-helps-save-lives.

In addition, the PHA shares regular social media content throughout the year to promote awareness of cancer symptoms and encourage healthy lifestyle changes to help reduce cancer risk. These messages are delivered through a range of channels, including social media, print and online resources, local media, and the Living Well campaigns across over 500 community pharmacies in Northern Ireland, reaching around 120,000 people daily. The PHA also works with partners such as Cancer Research UK, Cancer Focus and Action Cancer to strengthen and amplify messaging.

My Departmental officials are also currently developing a Women's Health Action Plan that outlines a range of policy and service developments that will support women’s health. This will include ways to improve awareness and understanding among women and healthcare professionals on a range of women’s health issues including ovarian cancer.