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Cancer of the Lung
This disease continues to be a problem and involves a good deal of work. Although
no age or sex is entirely free, lung cancer is more common in men than women and
particularly in the elder age groups. Nearly all our cases occur in smokers and the
patients have usually been heavy cigarette smokers. In spite of our efforts to secure
earlier diagnosis, only one quarter are suitable for operative treatment which
offers the best chance of recovery. Our physicians and surgeons co-operate in the
treatment of lung cancer, and use is made of the thoracic surgical units at Colindale,
Clare Hall & St. Charles hospitals. Other patients are treated by medical measures
locally and some receive radiotherapy at the Middlesex & Mount Vernon Hospitals.
Chronic Bronchitis
Many patients with this condition continue to attend the clinic: and the scheme,
mentioned in earlier reports, for sending some chronic bronchitic patients to special
units in hospitals outside the metropolitan "smog area" (Clare Hall & Pinewood
Hospitals) was continued in the winter of 1960/61.
Hypnotherapy
One of our physicians has taken up this method of treatment which is of considerable
help in the treatment of selected patients with some respiratory condition
- such as asthma. Special sessions exist for this therapy - patients being seen by
appointment.
Waiting Room
An attractive feature in the chest clinic waiting room is an aquarium which was
provided and is maintained by the Hendon Aquatic Society. This amenity is much
appreciated, and the clinic staff are most grateful to the Society for their interest
and help and for the splendid voluntary work that this job entails.
Research
During 1960 the clinic staff have assisted in various research projects organised
by the Medical Research Council and the British Tuberculosis Association (mainly into
bronchitis and tuberculosis.)
Teaching
Post-graduate students have attended the chest clinic during the year for
various periods for instruction in the practice of chest medicine and social medicine.
A large proportion of these students have been from overseas.
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