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points out that it is unnecessary, in view of the foregoing remarks, to
state that the Ministry of Health, as the central public health authority
in England and Wales, is fully alive to the importance of this subject.
In the present state of our knowledge we do not possess any
specific means of producing immunity against Cancer, as we have
against Smallpox, nor have we any specific means of curing the disease
as in the cases of Malaria and Syphilis. In all these directions much
valuable research work is being done.
On the subject of the extent of Cancer mortality and its increase,
it may be stated that in the space of two generations the recorded
mortality has trebled. It has long been matter for discussion to what
extent this increase has been due to improved diagnosis and more
accurate certification of cause of death. There can be little doubt
that these factors have been contributory, but unfortunately it has now
to be recognised that they will not account for the whole of the recorded
increase. An increase of mortality attributed to Cancer is the common
experience of modern civilisation. The frequency with which different
parts of the body are attacked by fatal Cancer differs greatly in
different countries. In this country the tendency is for deaths from
Cancer to occur later in life than formerly, and this change has been
going on, at least amongst females, for many years. The most rapid
increase is occurring in extreme old age.
With regard to proclivity to Cancer, in a broad sense, liability to
this disease is not an attribute to any particular social class, profession,
or occupation. It is to be inferred, therefore, that the occurrence of
Cancer depends, to an important degree, on personal predisposing
factors, but hereditary predisposition has not at present been proved to
be of any practical importance. The Memorandum further points out
the following : —That it cannot be asserted with scientific authority
that the use of any particular article of food increases the liability to
Cancer or prevents it from appearing; that no known drug or preparation
will prevent its appearance or cure it when present; and that no
danger of Cancer has been proved to result from inhabiting houses or
districts in which Cancer happens to have been exceptionally common;
and there is no evidence to show that Cancer is an infectious or
contagious disease. Although, so far, we have no "scientific
authority" in support of the preceding statements, which are more
"negative" than " positive," it must be remembered that our limited
knowledge does not warrant any dogmatic statement on these points.