FEAR OF CANCER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20947, 10 August 1931, Page 10

FEAR OF CANCER.

WIDESPREAD SUPERSTITION. THE EMPIRE CAMPAIGN. 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 ono writer says: "Too many tend to regard the very existence of this disease as outside the category of ordinary human misfortunes, and view it with feelings that partake of superstition. Such scientific knowledge as we possess with regard to it should correct such views, which are, after all, distorted. Studies of cancer prove to bo studies of the working of nature, though in circumstances which seem to display nature as cruel. All scientific progress is showing, however, that man can control nature and bend her to his will." To assist scientific progress in ithe 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 public as to the disease, so as to dispel the fear and superstition which are now so prevalent. One of the chief weapons at present is education—spreading the knowledge that, cancer in its early stages can often bo destroyed by radium and X-rays, or removed by surgery. Early attention, however, is the prime essential.