The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) today announced the programme for the RCSI MiniMed School Open Lecture Series 2011-2012. This series of public health lectures are open to the public and free of charge and will take place on five evenings between October 2011 and March 2012.

Disease prevention, treatments and the latest advances in health and medical research will be explored by some of the Ireland's leading healthcare experts across a broad range of topics including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, diseases of thyroid and sports emergencies.

At the first evening's lectures Professor Arnold Hill, Professor of Surgery at RCSI, will examine ‘Breast Cancer - advances in effective treatment' and Dr Paul Byrne, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, RCSI, will discuss ‘Cervical Cancer - can we prevent it?'

"The RCSI MiniMed School Open Lecture Series is open to members of the public without any medical or science background who have an interest in improving their understanding of how the human body works. In an age of increased patient participation and greater health awareness, the Series affords people the opportunity to learn more about topical health related issues directly from leading doctors and scientists at the cutting-edge," said Dr Kevin McGuigan, Director of the RCSI MiniMed School Open Lecture Series.

The event comprises two lectures, to be held on the last Wednesday of the month (excluding December). The lectures will take place in the O'Flanagan Lecture Theatre from 7-9pm in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2.

The RCSI MiniMed Open Lecture Series is free of charge; however registration is essential in order to guarantee a place.