CANCER RESEARCH

Otago Witness, Issue 4039, 11 August 1931, Page 5

CANCER RESEARCH

WHY FUNDS ARE NEEDED SOME LUDICROUS THEORIES. The fight against cancer—the great aim or science to learn its mystery—demands for its success an almost unlimited amount of money. That is why the British Empire Cancer Campaign has been organised and why the New Zealand branch expects uur people to do their share in this noble • work. Among the local and immediate benefits will be that New Zealand cancer ■sufferers will be persistently reminded to secure early treatment, and that the proper methods of treatment will be made available for them. In clinics and laboratories in all the chief cities of the Empire doctors and scientists are tracking the secret of the cause of cancer. It is a grim struggle against the most insidious and baffling disease that takes toll of mankind. One aspect of the campaign is suggested in this extract from the latest book on the subject, “ Cancer and Scientific Research,” by Dr B. Holmes, of Cambridge:— .■> “ The attempts which are frequently made to relate the reputed increase in cancer rate in this country, or the greater prevalence of cancer in one country rather than in another, with some particular mode of life or form of dietary, require proper statistical treatment of the facts to encourage or to check them when necessary. The ludicrous and absolutely unfounded' theories which are so often aired at great length in pamphlets, books, and newspapers require suppressing, while much may be learnt by further investigation of the causes of difference in cancer rate between one class (or one occupation) and another. It is well known that men engaged in certain occupations meet with conditions which'definitely predispose to cancer, and in these occupations cancer of the skin is a notifiable industrial disease; but there are other’ trades with a high cancer rate, the origin of which is by no means understood, while the introduction of new processes into industry may bring fresh risks which can only be recognised in the course of time. For these reasons the very laborious statistical inquiries which are continually being brought to bear unon the cancer problem in Britain must always rank high in practical importance.” One hopeful fact should be borne in mind by the general public: Cancer in its early stages is usually curable when properly treated. If you have the slightest suspicion that you have cancer, consult a doctor at once. The only really incurable form of cancer is that which has been allowed to go too far.