CANCER.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 2631, 5 August 1908, Page 5

CANCER.

ITS CAUSE AND CURE. (BY TELEGEAm.—SPECIAL COUKESrONDENT.) ' Auckland, August 4. The lecently reported discovery of the cancer parasite by Dr. Doyen is largely discounted by a local doctor, Dr. Briffault, who lectured before tho Auckland Institute last night. Wherever accurate popular knowledge oil'questions of health and disease existed, said Dr. Briffault, it lias proved of inestimable benefit in tho cause of humanity, and rendered tho efforts of tlio healing sciences more efficient and more easy. He instanced knowledge of the antiseptic treatment of wounds and of tho main facts relating to consumption and typhoid. In tho case 'of cancer, ho went on, it was no exaggeration to say that tho mortality from tiie disease would bo reduced by over SO per cent, if the general public, was educated up to tho knowledge of a few of tho facts concerning it. Some years ago the theory that cancer was due to a parasite was almost universally held, but in the-present day tho best authorities were nearly all unanimous in. rejecting this assumption. All the facts of the' diseaso were against tho parasite theory. Cancer was a purely local and limited 'disturbance, and removal of tho primary forms, if reeogfnised early enough,, cured tho disease. . "All living animals," continued Dr. Briffault,. "consist of cells, and the vast majority consist of one cell only. These _aro called protozoa. The human body consists of ten billion cells. These work together, owing to a perfect automatic system of a division of labour. Evbry cell has, nevertheless,- a mind of its own, and as a rulo tho interests of an individual cell are; tho same, as those of. tho body generally. In certain circumstances,- however, such as continued local irritation, tho individuality of the cell becomes exaggerated under tlio pressure of its need for self-defence. Imagine a large drilled army in tho field," .continued the lecturer, illustrating his point. "Tlio general in command is,continually receiving messages as to tlio position of tlio enemy, and what is going on in every part of tho field, by telegraph or some other means, and every soldier.acts under.the direct command of his officers. Ail action is a concerted attack, the wholo army acting as ono organism. But supposo tlio 'samo army in camp, and suppose a couple of marauders from tho enemy attacked one soldier. Will ho report to his commanding officer and ask for orders? No, lie will just act as a man in self-defence. Popular notions that cancer is associated with certain localities, or that there is any, connection between it and tile eating of tomatoes, or bananas, or tho drinking of beer, havo no evidence whatever to support tbom. Tlioro is no definite evidence that it is. hereditary, and it is not contagious. There is no medical difference between- inliocont .tumours and malignant cancer. The one may pass into the latter. It is a most pernicious notion that cancer is always painful. It is so only in the latter stages, when it has passed beyond the help of surgery. The only cure at present known is removal, following upon early diagnosis, which often is Only possible by microscopic examination. Operations for cancer aro how much more thorough than'they used to be, consequently the percentage of permanent! cures is far higher than formerly."

', -Referring to tho announcement which appeared a few days ago in tho' newspapers, that' Dr. Doyen had discovered a parasite of cancer, the lecturer, said that Professor Doyen was a most distinguished surgeon, but that ho-wast noted for having a weakness for. sensational and unguarded . It was not long sinco he mentioned that lie hnd discovered a cure for consumption, al-though-a committee of inquiry set up to oxamino his claims had proved it to bo wholly unfounded. , ,

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