AQW 52157/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 16/09/2026
Answered On Date: 01/10/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on his Department's work to increase public awareness of cancer-related risk factors.

Answer:

The Public Health Agency (PHA) delivers an ongoing programme of public messaging to increase awareness of cancer signs and symptoms, encourage timely presentation to GPs, promote participation in screening programmes, and highlight lifestyle factors associated with cancer risk. Throughout the year, the PHA promotes cancer risk reduction measures, including smoking cessation, increased physical activity and other healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Messaging is delivered through a range of communication channels, including social media, print and online resources, media engagement, partnerships with cancer charities, and the Living Well initiative delivered through community pharmacies across Northern Ireland. Information on a range of cancers is also available through the Be Cancer Aware website: https://www.becancerawareni.info/

In addition, the PHA and Cancer Focus NI lead the delivery of the Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy and Action Plan, which aims to reduce the incidence of, and deaths from, skin cancer in Northern Ireland. Delivery is supported through public awareness campaigns, including Sun Awareness Week and Winter Sun campaigns, targeted social media activity, education and training initiatives, and dedicated online information resources.

The PHA has also recently awarded an 18-month Skin Cancer Prevention Grant Programme to a leading community and voluntary sector organisation to raise awareness of the risks associated with ultraviolet (UV) radiation, reduce the use of artificial tanning devices, promote sun-safe behaviours, and encourage awareness of the early signs of skin cancer among high-risk groups and communities.