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63
Here, the deaths from all forms of cancer during 1970 numbered
606 which represented 23.2% of deaths from all causes. This total
shows a rise of 9.4% from that of 1965 and a 12.5% increase in the
rate per 1,000 population to a figure of 2.69. (For males the rate is
3.03 and for females 2.35). Without doubt the most disturbing
feature is the substantial increase in deaths from cancer of the
lung especially among women where its incidence is more than 3
times that of cancer of the uterus and is fast approaching that of
cancer of the breast.
The question as to why some body cells begin to proliferate
without restraint remains largely unanswered although, as with
a number of other serious diseases, control could become effective
before the aetiology is fully understood. Indeed, man already has
some control in that the environmental hazards known to exist in
tobacco smoking, atmospheric pollution, trauma, some foods and
cosmetics, etc., are avoidable now. Many leading biologists believe
that the thymus with its influence on the body's immune responses
holds the key, a theory which serves to reinforce the views of
Burkitt, et al, that at least some, if not all, cancers are induced by
viruses. Recently, a new approach in respect of leukaemia has
been reported. Leukaemia, a malignant condition where cells
multiply but fail to mature and specialise in the normal way, is
the subject of investigation by an Israeli scientist. He contends
that there is a kidney-produced protein which acts as an "inducing"
agent in stimulating rudimentary cells to maturity. If substantiated,
prevention of a form of cancer which is becoming increasingly
common in the younger age groups, would ensue.
Cancer research is world-wide and almost as varied as the
numbers engaged on it and success would therefore, in a number
of instances, seem to be more than possible during the next decade.
Of great assistance in this respect, if accepted, is the proposal by
the Central Health Services Council to strengthen cancer organisation
by establishing oncological centres where clinical, pathological,
epidemiological and research data could be co-ordinated to ensure
the optimal use of available facilities and manpower. At these
centres greater influence on research workers would be obtained
by "feed-back" and, furthermore, clinicians would be immediately
aware of experimental information. Doubtless cancer registration,
which is now proceeding methodically throughout all Regional
Hospital Board areas, would provide some basic data for such
an ambitious but necessary scheme.
Dental Caries
Dental caries, which is almost entirely preventable, is the name
given to the process of decalcification of the mineral elements of