CANCER GERMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 July 1924, Page 3

CANCER GERMS.

STATEMENT BY 1)11. ROBERTSON. AUCKLAND. July 14. The claim made by l)r. .1. I. (.lover, of Toronto, ol bis discovery and isolation of tbe germ ol cancer is tbe subject of a statement made by Mr ('a ri'ifk Robertson, as president, of the New Zealand Division of. the Bri-

ti'sli .Medical Association. As it dscussion with physicians. Dr. Glover saiil ho was not ready to give his formula.

Mi- Robertson said that Dr. Clover’s claim to have discovered and isolated the germ of criicer had naturally aroused great interest. Such claims

were hy no means rare, hut so far none had stood the test of complete investioation. It was greatly to lie deplored that any Mich claim should lie made until it could he substantiated: first, because ol the disappointment which followed hope raised in the minds of victims of this dread disease; and, secondly, because such claims had a definitely hampering effect upon the prosecution of well-recognised methods uf combating the scourge. In this latter connexion, the treatment of advanced and inoperable eases of cancer hy radium and X-rays ollered j a degree of alleviation which necessitated in up-to-date hospitals the provision of special pieces nl apparatus for the treatment. Such an installation for the Auckland Hospital was at present under consideration, and it was a pressing need with the siipply- , j„e of which it was hoped no ill-timed claims would he allowed to interfere. ‘•ft is always difficult to eitfeisc brief cabled reports of new discoveries." continued the president. “Inil I it is significant that. Dr. Glover is not ready to produce his formula so that other scientists may verily liis results. 'Phis raises very serious doubts in om-

minds. not as to Dr. Glover’s bom. fi.les, but as to the accuracy ol hiobservations and the correctness of Ins conclusions, “Now theories as to the cause nt cancer are constantly H'ing advanced l,v investigators. The most generally accepted theory is based on biology and has to do with cell life and growth At present the consensus of opinion ol the rancor research workers of the world is that eaneer is not a lmotena disease. Even if it he ultimately proved that bacteria are the cause ol this running riot of the coll elements, it does not follow Hint an immediate cure for all eases will be in sight. It is now over If) years since Knell discovered that the tubercle bacillus was | the cause of consumption and in spite () f this knowledge the white woiirge continues to take its toll of humanity. 'Phe discovery of insulin demonstrated that the seat of disease in diabetes lies in the pancreas, but brilliant as the result of treatment hy insulin is. in severe cases of diabetes insulin has not proved to Ik- a cure and dietetic treatment in most cases has still to >c

pursued. "AVe emphasise these facts because even when the irritant which causes cancer is found we think the early operative treatment of cancer may still afford the liest means of cure, while the marked alleviation and occasional euro of earner by radium and X-rnvs make it reasonably certain that these remedies must be depended upon for some time to come.’'