Milford chronicle., 1937-04-30
CANCER ONE OF THE
OLDEST OF DISEASES
[ConfinHed from First Psge1

In the ancient writings of India as
well as those of the Hebrew race.
"A knowledge of cancer must car
ry with 1t the fact that there are
many forms of the disease which are
easily preventable, and readily con-
trolled IL caught in time" In COM
paratively recent years physicians
have come to realize that in early
treatment lies the hope of cure OF
cancer. "A new conception Of can
Ger is dawning. No longer is 1t con-
sidered an ignominious condition.
No longer is II classed in the same
category as the communicable dis
cases."
Cells, of which the entire body is
constituted, have been found to have
individual lives, to grow, produce
other cells, and die. Not only have
they individual existences, but they
work together to produce the func-
tions of the organs and glands of
which they form part. All nor
or until they are ready to func-
tion; then they cease to grow any
more" Cancer cells are manufac-
tured in the body just as are normal
cells, but they do not have the same
orderly structure. they serve no
useful purpose. and there is no lin
itation to their growth. These
growths continue spreading and in
vading surrounding tissues, while
some of them have the habit of
sluffing off and wandering away to
some distant area to develop sec
ondary tumors. 1t Is the tendency
to wander, or "metastasis," that
makes 1t so essential to diagnose
the condition early and remove the
Ill tissue promptly.
"All tumors are composed of cell
lular elements found in the body,
and are not introduced from with
out, as are contagious disease
germs" Many theories have been
advanced concerning the causes of
cancer; one of the recent, and best
substantiated, concerns chronic ir-
ritation. Cancer of the lip or ton
que can be brought on by the con-
tinued irritation from tobacco smok-
ing. Workers In certain trades where
there is exposure to constant irrita-
tion from pressure or rubbing are
prone to cancer also.
mo racial group is immune to
cancer" and though 1t has been
as a malady of civili-
cation, 1t would doubtlessly have
been found in primitive races If it
had been searched for carefully.
Ii Is important to impress upon /
the ray pubffc tfiat rnere rs -ffttfs
or no truth in many OF its beliefs
cancer: Cancer is not |
a blood disease, is not contagious, is |
not caused by some particular diet,
and is not, strictly speaking, con-
disease. The emotions,
worry, fear and mental distress are
In no way related to the cause of
cancer, either. There is no system
Of faith healing that can cure can
GER. The disease occurs in any eli
mate and at any season of the year,
and is unaffected by any known me-
neurological condition.
Surgery, radium and X-ray treat
nents are the methods that can he
relied upon to aid the cancer suffer-
,r, but these treatments must be
inder the care and supervision Of a
competent physician and surgeon at
Ill times. Improper or ignor-
int treatment is always harmful. No
,atent medicine has the slightest eff
ect on this disease and cure for
ancer cannot be purchased In any
lrug store. No salve, plaster,
,oultice or paste should ever he
ried."
Cancer is difficult to diagnose. ev-
n after the most careful examina-
ion, yet mail order takers readily I
end blanks to the gullible to be ,
lied in and returned, and cancer is
iagnosed and advice given with
lib assurance of a positive cure! .
Many institutes are in existence
here patients are treated, and
here intense sufferings are endur- |
d while caustics are applied to J
urn out these growths."
Those who suspect cancer are
armed to see a physician quickly. :
e guided by his advice and know
lat there is no cure for this dread S
Isease except operation, X-ray. or +
ldium. Early recognition and early
eatment is essential for cure. q
"The most important point in any a
1ssible cure of cancer Is to deEect 3
In its early stages before metas- a
sis has taken place. and then to
eat It according to the plan outlin- d
| by the physician and surgeon In S
large.
"Many lives can be saved" the ar d.
,le concludes, must be cayed, will h
saved" II