CANCER

Hokitika Guardian, 10 May 1930, Page 2

CANCER

RESEARCH 'WORK IN NEW

ZEALAND

DUNEDIN, May 7

Dr A. M. Begg, who wa#y>recently appointed to carry out research work in connection with cancer at the Otago Medical School, to-day addressed a meeting of the Cancer Fund Committee on some aspects of the disease itself, dealing with past investigations and the propeets of ultimate complete cure.

Dr Begg said that cancer was not a new disease, its existence having been known for at least 3000 years. He went on to deal with the various theories propounded in connexion with '•bn disease since 1500 8.C., and explained what had been done in the way of vea search work. He then proceeded to give an outline of the proposed elans for the future.

r,l bo first plan suggested was a stall's local enquiry with the object of finding

•nt the ordinary incidence of cancer. If they found that out they might be able to take steps to avoid predisposition to the disease. The be-all and curtail in the treatment of cancer was to take it in hand early. It was very 'mportant that once cancer had been treated by sufuery or radium the patients should pay regular visits to the clinic. Such a course seemed troublesome perhaps where there was no sign of the disease, hut it should he borne in mind that cancer had a habit of roenri'inn' and this proposal was in the patient's own interests. Cnee cancer had been treated those in charge ol 11 1 0 clinic would he on the watch for its

reappearance yin 1 would be able to deal

with it immediately if a recurrence

took place. ... . y - Speaking of experienced .work, Dr Begg said they had- ,■ ibeep promised assistance from notable laboratories at Homo'.' In Dunedin there was only a small laboratory, blit that did net-mean liiat' good work was impossible. Research In. treatment could be carried i)ut here with every hope of success because of the.excellent collections of tumours they had to work upon. The actual effect of radium on the disease was an interesting study. At present many cases treated with radium did not result in complete cures. Cancer was too recurring for that, but there was still a great jal to be done. Thej were fortunate to-day in having a 1 \nrly defined problem to work upon. The cure for cancer would yet be found, and although the past had produced nothing sensational 01 spectacu lav, a great deal of valuable work, had been done.