CANCER.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1917, Page 4

CANCER.

Prevention of its Spread.

To the variotiß Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards of the Dominion, the Inspector-General of Hospitals (Dr Yalintine) has issued the following circular letter

“ I have the honour, by direction of the Hon the Ministe: of Public Health, to invite the co-operatbn of yonr board with the Department with a view to disseminate knowledge as to the best means of preventing the spread of cancer in the Dominion. “According to last year’s statistics, no less than 900 deaths were recorded from this disease, the highest yet

recorded in the Dominion. Though the increase of this disease may be more apparent than real, there is no doubt there is a need for co-operation of the Hospital Boards of the Dominion with the medical profession and the Department, with a view to stem the ever-increag* ing mortality. It is, therefore* neewary to draw the an ten* ion of the public, os is the case with of disease which are to some extent prevontible, to the fact that tbe hospilsla of the Dominion and the outpatients departments attached thereto are ever open to ths public for the purpose of consultation and advice as well us for treatment. Many a case of this terrible disease could have been prevented had it but been taken in time, and if the public will only take advantage of tbe excellent institutions which are now available in all parts of the Dominion for the above pnr* it may be possible to bring about a diminution in the death rate from cancer and o her diseases which are more or leas preventive.

In addition to the dissemination of t ie literature prepared by the Department in conjunction with the Brilieh Medical Association, I trust every member of your board will do all that lies in bis power to draw the attention of the public to tbe fact that the doors of our institutions are ever open for consultation and advice, anu as already indicated, for treatment, and to the fact that no person need be deferaed by lack of means from saekiug the advantages of the inatitutiona referred to. Those who are not in a position to pay tho ordinary fees will receive free advice and treatment.

“ Your board migbi also consider the appointment of suitable mßn to give lectures on this subject in your district.” A pamphlet entitled “ Cancer : Is it Curable ? ” accompanies the circular.