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reached, at the time of the operation, a much more propitious
condition of affairs was revealed. It was found
that of patients subjected to early operation, i.e., before
the disease had extended beyond the breast itself
94 per cent. were alive and well at the end of three
years, 91 per cent. at the end of five years, and 87 per
cent. at the end of ten years.
In contrast with these figures may be quoted those
of patients operated upon at a later stage. They
necessarily vary with the degree of advance of the
disease and range from 31 to 38 per cent. at three
years, 15 to 20 per cent. at five years, and 5 to 6 per
cent. at 10 years. Figures so contrasted speak for
themselves and emphasise the absolute need for early
operation if prolonged or permanent freedom from
the disease is to be hoped for."
Practical Applications.—"About one in four of all
patients undergoing operation in large hospitals does
so at a stage early enough to secure the good chance
of cure referred to in the preceding section. In the
case of the other three, application for treatment is
delayed, largely through ignorance or fear, to such a
late stage of the disease that the patients' chances of
complete relief are very considerably diminished.
Here, then, lies a vast field for effort directed
towards the reduction of mortality. It is highly
desirable that every possible means should be taken
to try to induce all women who are conscious of any
abnormal condition in the breast to seek medical
advice without delay, particularly if they are reaching
or have reached middle age. If this could be effected
it would secure that a larger proportion would undergo
proper treatment before the condition reached a hopeless
stage, and that more women would receive suitable
treatment at some stage.
How may this be attempted under present conditions?
By dissemination of such information as
that set out in the preceding sections through all
suitable channels, such as leaflets, 'talks,' advice