FIGHTING CANCER.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 July 1921, Page 4

FIGHTING CANCER.

The large increase in recent years of the cancer scourge has led to numerous claims of the discovery of cures, but unfortunately for suffering humanity, instead of these alleged cures proving a reality they have failed to make good, and, according to the latest figures from Britain, this disease ranks fifth among the causes of death, it being computed that one out of every seven deaths in England and Wales was due to this cause. It may, therefore, safely be assumed that the report of a discovery announced by the West London Hospital, as the result of which eighty per cent, of cases can be successfully treated, has aroused widespread interest and not a little hope. The rush of patients for treatment at that hospital is so great that the only available apparatus is quite unable to cope with the demand, and beds have been booked months ahead. Hitherto, in spite of all the exhaustive research work undertaken, no reliable remedy has been forthcoming. Cancer has defied all curative efforts, though in certain cases, when taken in the early stages, a certain amount of alleviation has resulted. The use of Xrays wherewith to combat this terrible disease has been employed for some years past, but the fact that in 1917 there were 41,158 deaths in Britain (the majority being females) shows how little has been done to minimise the scourge. It seems that the new discovery takes the form of using rays of greater length than heretofore, and if this leads to the successful treatment of eighty per cent, of the cases, it will be a boon of great magnitude to the victims of the disease. Time alone can prove whether the right remedy has at last been found, and it is to be sincerely hoped it has. Even so, we are no nearer to ascertaining the cause or causes of the disease, and until this point is set at rest there must necessarily be more or less groping in the dark. One authority (Dr. Snow) considers that cancer is brought on by trouble and worry. If so, that is a great reason why during the last few years the cases should have multiplied very largely. At best, this is mere speculation, otherwise the outlook would 'be far worse than it is. It may be claimed with confidence that there will be no cessation of research as to the cause, rather will it be stimulated by the latest discovery. Once the cause is known the work connected with remedial and preventive means will be greatly facilitated. Meanwhile there must be hope and faith in the ultimate solution of this baffling problem. The new discovery, which appears to be on the right lines, inspires optimism, yet it would be wise to await developments. Should it prove a success it will evoke from humanity in general sincere gratitude to those who have worked so persistently to remedy this dreadful scourge.