PUBLIC LECTURE ON CANCER RESEARCH: A free public lecture on recent advances in cancer research will be held at the Conway Institute, University College Dublin on Tuesday next at 11am.
Cancer researchers will speak about new findings, particularly in lung and bladder cancer. Members of the public can also take a tour of the institute's laboratories. Tel: 01-2310518 or e-mail ebarry@irishcancer.ie by Friday to book a place.
SPINA BIFIDA AWARENESS WEEK: The annual awareness week of the Irish Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus begins on Saturday. Events include a conference, the launch of new information leaflets and a youth forum. Log on to www.iasbah.ie or tel: 01-4572329 for more details.
RETREAT FOR MALE CANCER PATIENTS: The Lakelands Area Retreat and Cancer Centre in Mullingar, Co Westmeath is offering a men-only residential course for those recently diagnosed with cancer from September 18th to 22nd. This is the first time a men-only course will be run, in an attempt to encourage more male sufferers to avail of counselling and complementary therapies. Tel: 1850-719719 for more details.
MEDICAL WRITERS' MEETING: The Society of Medical Writers is holding a weekend meeting in Foyles Hotel, Clifden, Co Galway from September 29th to October 1st. How to write good medical journalism while keeping ethical issues to the fore will be discussed. Speakers include Monaghan GP Dr Illona Duffy, columnist Dr Liam Farrell and Colin Kerr, editor of the Irish Medical Times. Cost: €160. Contact Declan Fox on 0044-(0)28-81664167 or e-mail Declan@boskone.freeserve.co.uk
SURVEY ON BRUSHING TEETH: About 50 per cent of Irish children brush their teeth at least twice a day, compared with 65 per cent in Scotland, 77 per cent in Northern Ireland and 71 per cent in Norway. Other surveys found more than two-thirds of 15-year-olds had decay in their permanent teeth.