The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-04-16
Observation-Disclosures
DIR. BAINDRIDGE on ITS IN
CREASE, CAUSE AND CURE.

increase In Half = Century-Causes
That Develop Caneers-Cures Elected
In Some Cases-COllectiOn or Data.
Some facts a. to the increase Of cancer
| during the last forty years. Its cure, and
it's alienation when cure Ia not possible
were stated at a recent clinical lecture
at the New York Skin and Cancer Hos
pital.
DR.. cambridge said that in 1850 there
were nine cases Of cancer 70 each 10000
OF population; that during each succeed
ing ten years there was a steady increase,
and that In 1890 there were something more
than thirty-three cases Of cancer TO each
10000 persons. From 1850 to 1850 the in
crease was only two and fraction cases
to each 10000 OF population, while from
1880 20 1890 there WIS an increase Of more
than seven cases to each 10000.
In speaking Of the cause OF cancer Or.
cambridge said that little that IL In any
way satisfactory Is known, adding:
with the reports from the Gratwick
Pathological Laboratory in Buffalo tend
ing TO prove that cancer Is Of parasitic
origin and that It Is contagious, and the
conclusion, about to be made public, Of
the Harvard cancer commission, after
two years spent In exhaustive investi-
cation, that Il Is found that cancer Is not
OF parasitic origin, and Is neither hereditary
nor contagious, we realize that we know
about a. much about the real nature Of
the disease as did Hippocrates.'
Still, data are being collected which
may be expected TO give definite results
later. For example, it has been ascertsined
that there are certain regions known as
cancer belts, where the disease Is much
more prevalent than elsewhere, and why
this is 80 will undoubtedly be determined.
Also 1t IL known that constant irritation
at any point IA liable TO cause a cancerous
growth and that persons using tobacco
and alcoholic stinulants are much more
liable TO cancer Of the throat and mouth
than those who do not. Statistics show
that Of one thosuand women suffering
from cancer only thirteen had cancer OF
the mouth and throat, while Of the same
number Of men III had cancer in this region.
OF these, seventy-hve used alcoholic stimu-
lants and tobacco.
DR.. cambridge emphasized the fact that
constant irritation OF any portion OF the
body IL dangerous, as a cancerous condi-
ton Is likely to develop. Illustrating this
he spoke Of one Of his patients who had
extensive cancer develop from the bruising
Of a wSrt on the back Of his hand which
was neglected and in the end made amputa-
ton necessary. He also said that teeth
not properly cared for frequently caused
cancer Of the mouth.
IL was stated that cancerous growths were
not confined 10 human beings; that horses
suffering from cancer may be found in
almost any veterinary hospital and that
dogs, and, 10 fact, all domestic animals
have cancer. Fowls and birds, both wild
and domestic, are subject to cancerous
growths, and fshes Of almost all kinds
have been taken with well defined cancer
in different stages Of development.
The assertion OF Alexander Dowie Of
Zion that those who do not eat pork or
its products do not have cancer was dis
proved at this clinic, as there was present
an orthodox Jew who had never tasted pork
in any form, but who had cancer Of the
stomach. Though the cancer from which
this man Is suffering Ia so located that
it cannot be cured, DR.. cambridge has, by
repeated operations, for several years kept
him able TO continue to support his family
by working as a tailor In fact, Il was
demonstrated that the dangers and neon
venience Of a surgical operation are row
scarcely more than attend slight illness.
The unqualified statement was made that
all cancer begins as benign growth; that
while In that stage II Is absolutely local.
and II fully eItirT Ated cure should result.
When not removed while still benign, ex-
tension may take place by direct infection
Of surrounding tissues, though usually It
is through the lymphatics or blood channels.
Canoerous growths are OF varying degrees
Of malignancy. Some tend TO return more
readily than others.
Speaking OF the cure Of cancer, DR.. Balm
bridge stated that the RoentRen rays,
Finsen light, Pihard lamp and radium may
cure superficial cancer In selected cases,
and are Of distinct value in relieving in
operative cases, though a marked increase
Of the growth occasionally follows their
use. Serum-therapy for cancer has not
passed beyond the experimental stage,
and no very definite results have a. vet
bean obtained but work In this line Is going
forward
When cure Is not possible palliative opera
lions are performed, which, even In the
most aggravated cases, make the patient
Of the nerves which convey the sensations
Of pain 10 the brain from the affected tract,
after which there Is no more conscious sui-
fering.
Among the interesting Illustrations Of
complete surgical cure Of cancers shown
at the clinic was the case Of a woman Is
years OF age. The operation In her case
involved the removal Of a large proportion
Of the pectord muscles and the glands Of
the uxilla ON the right side, and vet the use
Of the right arm Is In no way impaired
and the woman IL perfectly strong and we'll
Another case illustrating the complete
cure Of a cancer so located that the opera
ton In connection with the results, II unique
Ia the annals Of surgery, was that Of IN 1mas
Mcclure, whose tongue, tonsils and the
inferior third Of the pillars Of the fauces
on the left side and part Of the anterior
pillar OF the fauces on the right side were
removed. IL was stated that for twenty
years Mr.. Mcclure had smoked twenty
cigars a day, II was his habit 10 hold the
cigar in the left sldo' OF the mouth resting
against the tongue, and an irritation was
set up which developed a cancer.
The operation involved the removal Of
the organs usually known a. those of
speech, yet Il was 30 shifully performed
that Mr.. Mcclure can masticate. taste
talk and also sing. A physician present
who had heard Of Mr.. McGuirp's vocal |
feats asked him II he could sing Rock OF
Ages.