CANCER RESEARCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 228, 25 August 1938, Page 8

CANCER RESEARCH

POSITION IN DOMINION. NO MATERIAL INCREASE. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON,. Aug. 24. “If people think that' some cure for cancer will he announced in a dramatic way they must l>e very sanguine,’ 1 said Sir James Elliott (president of the New Zealand branch of the British Empire Cancer Campaign Society), at the annual meeting of the Wellington-Taranaki-Hawko’s Bay division held at Wellington to-day. Sir James added that the cancer problem involved so many considerations that'any sudden announcement of a single fact which would completely elucidate the origin of the disease would he too much 1 to expect. Sir James Elliott emphasised that, though cancer was the second highest cause of New Zealand’s death rate and was responsible for more suffering and distress than any other disease people must realise it was curable in its early stages. Some people thought there was an increase in the incidence of cancer, said Sir James, but others considered the increase was igore imaginary than real. There was no material increase, if any, even though conditions in New Zealand were abnormal. A restricted birthrate and the absence of immigration were factors which had increased the average age of New Zealanders, and as cancer was more likely to occur after middle age it would be reasonable to expect an increase in the incidence of the disease. “That increase,. should be evident, said JSir James “but it is not so. I think we are making progress in spite of adverse conditions.” The society had contributed a large sum to the work of the cancer research laboratory located n the Medical School at Dunedin and Dr A. M. Begg (investigator for the society) would leave for England at the end. of August. His technician Mr D. Hall, had already gone ■abroad. They would study cancer research in the principal laboratories of England and the Continent, and the work accomplished would be credited to the New Zealand branch of the society. Dr Begg and his assistant would remain overseas for a year. Dr Begg had already eliminated certain theories that 'had decreased the amount of investigation needed, but a great deal of research had yet to be done. “The society is always willing to examine any alleged cures for cancer,” saidw Sir James Elliott, “no matter how futile they might appear. We do not despise the efforts of any conscientious person willing to help in our crusade.” ' Referring to the balance-sheet of the Wellington-Taranaki-Hawke’s Bay division, Sir James said the £SO from the Macarthy Trust Fund and the £2OO realised by a street appeal in Wellington had been of considerable help. From time to time the society hoped to get legacies for the humanitarian purpose of investigating and treating cancer.