Fear of Cancer

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6622, 7 August 1931, Page 2

Fear of Cancer

A WIDESPREAD SUPERSTITION SCIENCE AND NATURE It is one of the peculiarities of cancer that most people regard the disease as a thing apart from the natural misfortunes which afflict humanity. As one writer says: “Too many tend to regard the very existence of this disease as outside the catogory of ordinary human misfortunes, and view it wit* l feelings that partake of superstition. Such scientific knowledge as wo possess with regard to it should correct such views, which are, after all, distorted. Studies of cancer prove to be studies of the working of nature, though in circumstances which seem to display nature as cruel. All scientific progress is showing, howovor, that man can control nature and bend her to his will.” To assist scientific progress in the war on cancer, the British Empire Cancer Campaign (of which the King is patron) is making a world-wide appeal for funds. Another purpose of the campaign is the enlightenment of the publics as to tho disease, so as to dispel the fear and superstition which are now so prevalent. One of tho chief weapons at present is education —spreading the knowledge that cancer in its early stages can often be destroyed by radium and X-rays, or removed .by suTgcry. Early attention, however, is the prime essential.