FIGHTING CANCER.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 September 1924, Page 3

FIGHTING CANCER.

RADIUM TREATMENT,

AUCKLAND, September 17,

The policy of the Health Department, in regard to the acquiring of radium for use in the treatment of cancer, was stated to-day by the Minister for Health, Sir Maui Poinare, at the laying of a foundation atone of the new winds at the Auckland Ims--1 ital. The Minister said the question of radium was engaging the attention of people throughout the country, and there was no doubt, a great deal to he said for the use of radium in tlie treatment of eaiicc-r. He was not in a position to say that cancer was a scourge of civilisation, but the 1 rul>lem had to lie tackled. It was our duty to eradicate it, or. at least, to lessen or soften the pain of those who were ,-ulfeiing. lie mentioned his correspondence with a gu-at authority in Britain who had said it had been established that radium did an immense niiiuuut of gi)u,l when applied to cancer, and lie felt that X’ew Zealand must have it, even if only to relieve siilfering. There was, however, some doubt as to the quantity which should be obtained for tlie needs of the country. Professor Barlow bad intimated that one gram was sufficient for a population of 2,000.090 people, the cost of providing, for 12.000.000 people in Britain being given as £2,3-10,000. On the lesent population New Zealand would require £10,00(1 worth, and they already bad that quantity. The Minister added that lie wanted to make tlie point that they had lo he cautious in their expenditure, and not hiirdcn the ratepayers with ton much taxation. So. in the matter ' r obtaining radium, lie wai.ied to f.nd out the right quantity sullici-nt fur the country's need, and yet wt'bin their means.

Dr. E. O. .Maguire, Medical Superintendent of Auckland Hospital, will probably visit Britain next year, leaving in April, and be intends to make a special study there of the progress in cancer research.

The chairman of the board. Mr \\ . Wallace, .said the projected visit would olfer a good opportunity to the board to obtain first-hand information on the subject, before il goes in for any expensive apj aratus for the treatment cf cancer. ‘'We bear so many different stories about cancer cures, and methods of treatment, that it is essential l > obtain reliable information before installing extravagant- plants. X'elhing is more deserving of our consideration. The p-sition in Auckland is | iiifiib” Tt was necessary to increase accommodation tor cancer patients and also to obtain first band information about tin- latest scientific.’ methods of treatment ami research. Radium had been obtained lor Wellington. Christchurch and Dunedin for the treatment of cancer, but there was doubt as t.i the efficacy of radium treatment. For lluit reason Dr. .Maguire's visit to Britain would He very serviceable to the board.