DAFFODIL DAY: An estimated 21,000 Irish people will develop cancer this year and 7,800 will die of the disease.
Cancer causes one-quarter of all deaths in Ireland. Currently, more than 95 per cent of patients availing of palliative care services - both hospital and community based - suffer from cancer.
Daffodil Day, the Irish Cancer Society's biggest annual fundraising campaign, is on Friday. Funds raised will go to the provision of home care day and night nurses, the recruitment of hospital-based psychological support nurses and the staffing of the National Cancer Helpline. The Helpline is freefone 1800 200 700.
TWINS PLUS: The genetics of twins and the importance of individuality for babies born at the same time are the themes of this year's Irish Multiple Births conference on Saturday, March 27th, in the Citywest Hotel, Saggart, Co Dublin. Common problems, achievements and developments of twins, triplets or more will be discussed in an open forum. Registration on tel: 01 8479056 or contact www.imba.ie
AUTISM BRIEFING: The latest developments in research and educational interventions for children with autism will form the core programme of a two-day conference on Autism in the Europa Hotel, Belfast on Friday, March 26th and Saturday, March 27th. Themes include why applied behaviour analysis is a treatment of choice for children of autism. Registration on tel: 048 90 225 795.
Lifelines is compiled by Sylvia Thompson and Dr Muiris Houston.