Smoking risk:Research has shown that women who smoke are at greater risk of picking up a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the main cause of cervical cancer.
The research, led by Christine White of the Irish Cancer Society and the Cerviva research consortium, has shown that women with detectable nicotine metabolite, called cotinine, in their urine sample were at a higher risk of acquiring a HPV infection than those not exposed to tobacco smoke. Furthermore, women with high levels of cotinine appear to be at an increased risk of developing high-grade cervical pre-cancer compared with non-smokers. Results show that 37 per cent of smokers and 43 per cent of heavy smokers (more than 10 cigarettes per day) compared with 24 per cent of non-smokers developed a high-grade cervical pre-cancer.
Arts fund:Entries are being sought from people with disabilities working or studying in the arts for Rehab's new Visual and Performing Arts Fund. The fund will provide €150,000 over the next five years to promote careers in the arts for people with disabilities and people with mental health difficulties. Closing date for applications is Thursday, March 7th (5pm). See rehab.ie
Helpline helper: The LGBT helpline is launching a volunteer recruitment drive today to meet increasing demand on the service. See lgbt.ie.