Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1919-07-22
THE CANCER PROBLEM
BY H. Addington Bruce
NANCER still is one of the unsolved prob
Z lens of medicine. But to say this is not
to say that medical men are entirely in


NANCER still is one of the unSoIved prob.
Z lens of medicine. But to say this is not
to say that medical men are entirely in
the dark with regard to this dread disease.
They know much more about it than was
known a few years ago. They know enough
IN tact, to warrant the assertion that the can
Ger death rate can be materially reduced if
only the public will familiarize themselves with
the findings of modern research and apply these
tor their own benefit.
Certainly there is the greatest need for pub
lie cooperation in fighting cancer. As things
now stand this terrible Scourge of humanity
is yearly claiming a larger and larger number
of victims.
In 1900 the death rate from cancer in the
United States was less than 63 per 100000 pop
ulation. 1t now is more than 80 per 100000
In Great Britain it has risen to nearly 100 per
100000.
The reason or reasons for this increase can
not be stated with any certainty. Personally
feel that the increasing tension of present
day life, with its weakening effects on the neyv-
GUS system, hence on the organization as a
whole, has a great deal to do with the in
creaSing tendency to cancer.
In any event. the situation undoubtedly is
such as to emphasize the desirability of per-
Suading people in general-and especially peo-
pie who have passed the age of forty-to be
on the lookout for possible signs of cancer in
themselves and if these develop to see medical
aid with the least possible delay.
For if the causes of cancer remain unknown
it is definitely known that cancer, as rule. is
durable disease if attacked in an early stage
And, fortunately, it often gives premonitory in
dcatlonS enabling timely corrective action to
be taken
Thus some of the commoneSt forms of can
Ger are uShered in by the appearance of hard
little Jumps on or near the surface of the body.
Any such Jumps particularly if in the breast,
should at once be shown to a physician.
The Occurrences of external ulcers which do
not heal readly--in the face, lips tongue or
eISeWhere--lS another suspicious sign. They may
be due to causes other than Cameras NAV the
hard little Jumps. But prudence calls for an
immediate diagnosis by a competent physician.
If cancer really is present delay will give
lit chance to spread to an extent which may
make the case hopeless or next to hopeless.
1t is the rapidity of cancers spread that makes
prompt medical intervention imperative
Among women the generative organs are a
common seat of cancer Here the two danger
signs are changes in the vaginal discharge and
changes iii the menstrual flow. These while
by no means inevitably indicative of cancer,
should be accepted as hints that medical ex-
animation is in order
Bleeding from the rectum may mean either
hemorrhoidS or incipient cancer, Again tor
Satety'S sake, prompt visit 10 a doctor should
be made.
Other signs of internal cancer-cancer of
the stomach, inteStineS, liver, etcare persistent
indigestion, vomiting and pain All of these
may be due to nothing more serious than a
functional nervous disturbance. But only a
medical examination can determine as to that
And always the doctor should be given a
chance to pass on suspicious symptoms. Only
be sure to select a good doctor. Beware OF
! the cancer cure" advertisers, to daily with
whom may involve fatally disastrous loss OF
| time ii the trouble for which they are con-
suited is actually cancer.
Copyright, 1912 by the Associated Newspapers