THE CANCER PROBLEM.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 August 1930, Page 8

THE CANCER PROBLEM.

Speaking at Dunedin recently, Dr. Begg, the expert who has been placed in charge of cancer research work in this country, said that while a considerable advance had been made in knowledge of the characteristics of that disease no universal cure had yet been discovered. On the other hand, investigation had shown that if cancer were treated early it was by no means incurable, the use of radium having rendered treatment possible in I many eases that were surgically inoperable. He urged the necessity for periodical overhaul by all persons who are approaching or have reached middle age. ■and assured his hearers that while the 1 disease could not be said to have been conquered science was confident that victory would come in due course. That the disease is still increasing in incidence and in virulence is undoubted. In bis report for the year 1929 on the vital statistics of the Dominion the Government Statistician says the “cancer problem shows no sign of abating. The total number of deaths due to cancer readied the unprecedently high figure of 1-167, an increase of 93 over 1928.” This death rate ™ 10.43 per 10,000 of population, and for the first time in the history of the disease reached double figures. Of all persons over the age of 40 whose deaths were registered during 1929 one in every seven of males and one in every six of females died from cancer. These are very ominous figures. It is possible that greater skill in diagnosis and more thorough statistical methods may have aided the apparent increase in mortality, but, as the Statistician says, “if any stimulus is needed to the intensity of the cancer campaign it should be found in the r.ecord for this disease, for last year.” That the campaign is being conducted with all the force at the command of the medical profession is undoubted. Throughout the civilised world research and experiments are being carried out, and with some degree of success. So far as the public is concerned it can do its part by seeking advice early. Facilities for obtaining expert attention exist at almost every public hospital, and if the community will aid the medical profession by taking advantage of overhaul and advice the victory over cancer will be within sight.