CRUSADE AGAINST CANCER

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2889, 29 September 1916, Page 5

CRUSADE AGAINST CANCER

-—; » -- HEALTH DEPARTMENT ON THE .WAR PATH. The death of Dr. A. A. Martin, the eminent M'anawatu surgeon, as a result of wounds sustained at the front, recalls the interest which he took in the treatment of oancer. VPoor Martin was immensely interested in this question," said the Chief Health. Officer (Dr.'T.H. A. VaHntine) in the course of a chat with a representative of the Anokland "Star" on Thursday' last. He explained what was done by the late Dr. Martin towards the ■formation of a radium institute for the North Island, and said that while It had not been practicable for the Government to render financial assistance —whioh action had been justified by results—a substantial grant was made by Parliament last session for research work which is calculated to be of assistance In combating tho reported increase in oancer in New Zealand. "1 consider the increase to be more apparent than real," said Dr. Valintine, in speaking further of the cancer trouble. "The fact is,"! ho added, '"that people are'most susceptible to cancer in old .age, and as wo are prolonging the lives of our people we are discovering more cases of cancer. I think I api right in putting the case that way.'* Dr. VaHntine said that the Department of Public Health was in communication with tho various _ branches oE the British Medioal Association for the purpose of proenring data whioh will enable steps to be taken for dealing with the disease. Further than this, the Department, lias almost completed) the preparation of a.- pamphlet which' oontains common sense advice for the people as a whole. Copies of this will be largely distributed, and if this method does not suffice arrangements will be made for lectures to give further instruction to the public. The pamphlet is comprehensivo without being too expansive, rnd it gives valuable hints concerning tlie necessity for taking care of apparently harmless sores and otherwise attending to common dangers in the incipient stages.