CANCER SCOURGE.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19173, 2 December 1927, Page 9

CANCER SCOURGE.

MORTALITY INCREASING.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES URGED. (bt cable—rmss association—copnuoirr.) (AUSTRALIA!! AND H.Z AND 6UN CABLX.) (Received December Ist, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, December 1. "Cancer mortality is increasing in most civilised countries," said Professor Blair, in a lecture. "The peril is now so great that unless we conquer the disease soon the natious will be forced to stop warring and unite to stamp out the horror that is threatening the existence of mankind."

He advocated that the first line of defence should be prevention, for which the public should be educated and organised into a vast co-operative scheme, sustained until it was as common as washing the hands.

He added that cancer of the lips, mouth, tonsils, and pharynx was commonest in men, and was largely due to alcoholism and the smoking of wooden pipes. Cigarette-holders gripped in the most comfortable position in the teeth continually directed a stream of hot gases to the same part of the tongue, the roof of the mouth, and the throat. Cigarettes without a holder were the safest when cigars wero impossible.

Ho added that all people over 40 should be examined twice a year at Government clinics.