CANCER RESEARCH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23620, 2 April 1940, Page 9

CANCER RESEARCH

EEGISTKAR SELECTED POST FOR DR. H. 'GAUDIN DUTIES IN AUCKLAND" The appointment, of Dr. Howard Gnudin, of Auckland, as registrar to the consultation committee of the Auckland division of the British Empire Cancer Campaign Society was announced 3'esterday by the chairman, Sir Ernest Davis. Dr. Gaudin will undertake part-time researches pending the creation of a cancer statistical research bureau after the war, and will also act as secretary of the division in the absence on active service of Mr. Donald McKenssie. Sir Ernest said that the executive of the division bad been impressed by the qualifications of Dr. Gaudin for the work which was required to be done. He had recently begun the practise of his profession in Auckland after having

had four years of valuable training on the staff of the famous Mayo Clinic at Rochester, Minnesota, and it was anticipated that his researches in Auckland wohld be of considerable value to the consultation committee. As an essential part of his duties, Dr. Gaudin would visit every cancer patient in the Auckland- Hospital, and Keep accurate records of each case bo that the deductions to be drawn could be collated and analysed in conjunction with the statistics collected over the past 10 years, Sir Ernest added. Comparative reports would be compiled for the guidance., of the consultation committee accordingly. The appointment would be for one year, when the position would be reviewed.

FORM OF STATEMENT REGRET EXPRESSED HOSPITAL CHAIRMAN'S VIEW "Tt is to be regretted that the statement made by Sir Ernest Davis in connection with cancer research was published in the form it was," said the chairman of the Auckland Hospital Board, Mr. Allan J. Moody, last night. "I would much prefer in cases of this description that the matter should be referred to the medical superintendent of the Auckland Hospital, Dj\ J. W. Craven, before statements are published," Mr. Moody continued. "The hospital authorities view with considerable alarm and misgiving any statements of a like nature, in as much as there is a possibility of frightening patients unnecessarily. ".All cases seen by members of the consultation committee are not necessarily cancerous. In fact, I am advised that a proportion are found on investigation not to be suffering from that disease. Fear is likely to have a very detrimental effect, and the fact that the name of a particular medical gentleman is mentioned may conceivably cause undue mental anguish to patients. "Although I have agreed on behalf of the board to give the fullest assistance to the Cancer Committee, it must be understood that Dr. Gaudin's activities will be limited to the rules and regulations which apply to all members of the staff of the hospital." Mr. Moody added that he trusted his statement would have the effect of reassuring the public.