CANCER RESEARCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 138, 10 May 1930, Page 13

CANCER RESEARCH

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE. DUNEDIN, May 8. Some aspects of the cancer scourge were discussed yesterday by Dr. A. i\i. Begg, who was recently appointed to carry out research work in connection with cancer at the Otago Medical School. Dr. Begg addressed a meeting of the Cancer Fund Committee. Dealing with post-investigations and the prospects of an ultimate complete cure, Dr. Begg stated that cancer was not a new disease, its existence having been known for at least 3000 years. Ho went on to deal with the various theories propounded in connection with the disease since 1500 8.C., and explained what had been done in the way of research work. Dr. Begg then proceeded to give an outline of the proposed plans for the future. The first plan suggested was a statistical inquiry with the object of finding out the ordinary incidence of cancer. If they found that out thev might be able to take steps to avoid predisposition to the disease. It was very important that once cancer had been treated by surgery or radium the patients should pay regular visits to the clinic. Such a course seemed troublesome, perhaps, >»hen there was no sign of the disease, but it should b borne in mind that cancer had a habit of recurring, and this proposal was in the patient's own interests. Once cancer had been treated. those in charge of the clinic would be on the watch fo rits reappearance and would be able to deal with it immediately if a recurrence took place. Speaking of experimental work, Dr. Begg said that they had been promis ed assistance from notable laboratories at Home. In Dunedin there was only a small laboratory, but that did not mean that good work was impossible. Research in treatment could be carried out here with every hope of success because of the excellent collections of tumours they had to work upon. The actual effect of radium on disease was an interesting study. At present many cases treated with radium did not result in complete cures. Cancer was still recurring ior that, but there was still a great deal to be done. They were fortunate foday in having a clearly-defined problem to work upon. The cure for cancer would yet be found, and although the past had produced nothing sensational or spectacular, a great deal of valuable work

had been done. They could do no more than their best, but he could assure his hearers that the very best endeavours would be put forward by those engaged' in the work.'