CANCER SCOURGE

Otaki Mail, 25 January 1943, Page 4

CANCER SCOURGE

CANCER OF THE BOWEL Only the large intestine, or. colon and rectum, is liable to cancer. It’ comes, as usual, in people mostly over forty years of age, but occasiona-.iy in those in the thirties or oven twenties. There is no marked preponderance amongst males or females. Being an organ entirely hidden in the abdomen, obvious signs of trouble in the large intestipe do not appear till a later stage—unfortunately sometimes a "toolate stage—in the couise of the disease. The symptoms which should draw attention to tlie possibility of cancer of the bowel, and which sr.ould cause anyone observing them to seek proper investigation and advice are these:— (1) Alteration in the usual habit of the bowel action, in the direction of cither constipation or looser ess, arising more or less suddenly without other cause, such as altered diet, and persisting more than a few days. (2) Unusual appearances in the motions —such as tlie presence of watery fluid, slime, pus, or blood. The blood might he bright red, dark red, tarry or watery. Blood may come from the relatively harmless condition of piles. I (3) More unusual "presenting” synipj toms are: lump in tlie abdomen, anemia. pain of a griping character in the ahI domen, pain and distension associated j with severe constipation, and pain with i or without a lump at the opening of the hack passage. | Any of these symptoms should send i the patient, calmly but promptly for 1 proper examination by special instruments, and perhaps X-rays. Should the i trouble be piles, or other simple condition, treatment can he given and everyone reassured.

Should a cancerous growth be revealed, the chances are it will bo in the early stages, and suitable for removal by operation. X-rays and radium have little or no place in the treatment of cancer of the bowel. The outlook is good if the lase is treated early. If complete eradication is impossible, temporary relief and comfort can be given.