The Health bulletin [serial] - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

;
20 The Health Bulletin February, 1927
^-
WHAT THE PUBLIC SHOULD KNOW
ABOUT CANCER
By IT. HARTWELL BASS, M.D., Durham
-~\
Tho Bureau of Census, Department
of Vital Statistics, Washin.stou, D. C.
reported for the United States that
there were 89.000 deaths from cancer
in 1923, and 91,000 in 1924. The reports
show a gradual yearly increase
for the past twenty years, or since the
existence of the Bureau. The deaths
from cancer for North Carolina (which
was the third lowest of any state in the
Union) were 1,304 for 1924, and 1,328
for 1925.
It is reported that one woman in
seven and one man in ten, dies of cancer
at forty years of age. Undoubtedly
these rates are too low, as there are
many who die of obscure conditions
that are doubtless cancer, ^yith these
facts before us, is it not time that a
greater effort should be made in our
State to prevent or lessen this condition
This cannot be done unless there
is thorough cooperation between the
physician and the public, to get those
treated promptly who show evidence
of the disease. No human being is exempt
from cancer, it matters not what
his station in life might be,
although it
is more prevalent after forty 5-ears of
age than before.
The doctor is often asked these questions
:
TLst. What is cancer
2nd. What is the cause of cancer
3rd. Can cancer be prevented
4th. Is cancer contagious
5th. Is cancer hereditary
6th. Can cancer be cured
7th. How can cancer be best treated,
and by what means
In answering these questions I sliall
make every effort to state facts, and
express the opinion of a majority of
the medical profession who are doing
special work in cancer.
"What is Cancer
Cancer is a tumor, growth, or ulcer
that shows no tendency to heal, but
progressively grows worse. Not all
tumors or growths are cancerous, but
when a condition of tliis kind is
present it should be dealt with as if it
were, as no one knows when and why
cancer begins. For convenience of description,
we will divide lesions of this
kind into three classes : benign, precancerous
and cancerous.
Benign tumors or growths are those
that have no tendency to intermingle
or fuse with the surrounding parts
they are encapsulated, freely movable
and produce no symptoms. However,
if their capsule becomes ruptured and
shows an inflammatory reaction, they
should be removed. Often these conditions
will exist for years without apparent
harm, and from some injury or
unknown reason, will suddenly become
active and produce the most malignant
conditions. Under this head may be
classified certain types of warts, moles,
wens, birth marks, fatty tumors, etc.
Precancerous lesions are tumors or
sores that show no tendency to heal
by ordinary methods of treatment.
Under this head may be mentioned
chronic sores on any part of the body,
especially the lip, mouth and tongue.
Small nodules in the breast, chronic
soi-e nipples (Paget's Disease), chronic
uterme troubles that show a tendency
to bleed or produce a constant discharge,
chronic conditions of the rectum
as piles, fissures, and eczemas.
Certain skin conditions of old people
(Keratosis) on the ear, face or backs
of the hands wlil lead to cancer. Black
or pigmented moles are especially
dangerous. Bladder conditions of old
men (enlarged prostate) are twenty
per cent malignant. Goiter, gastric ulcers
and chronic intestinal troubles
should all be considered, and the proper
treatment instituted promptly and effectually.
The clinical signs of cancer may be
classified as follows: Those of the
skin, which include warts, moles, ulcers
and small tumors ; these conditions
act as a local irritant to the normal
skin, and influence the development of
cancer. You will notice that a hard