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15
Cancer.
The deaths from Cancer in the Borough during the year numbered 146 as compared
with 143 in 1928.
It is well known that Cancer is a disease that has increased in this country in
recent years. In considering figures, allowance has to be made for improvement in
diagnosis and for the fact that more people live to an age at which they are likely to
be victims of this disease, but when this has been done the fact remains that Cancer is
increasing.

In the present state of our knowledge the most valuable work that can be done
by Public Health authorities is that of educating public opinion so as to ensure that
those with suspicious symptoms seek medical advice at an earlier date than at present.
Many lives lost from this disease would be saved if there were less delay in going to
the doctor and consequently in the commencement of appropriate surgical or radium
treatment. The outlook for those who are treated at an early stage of the disease
is good and is improving.
The following passage is quoted from Ministry of Health Circular 826, dealing
with Cancer of the Uterus, issued in 1927:—
"One of the ways by which some causes for delay may be counteracted
is now undergoing trial by certain Local Authorities and should be mentioned,
viz., the establishment of a special centre or "clinic" designed to facilitate
diagnosis and to give advice as to obtaining treatment. In this, and doubtless
in other ways, means may be found for inducing a larger proportion of patients
to undergo treatment at a stage where the prospect is hopeful. The means
for effective treatment exist; the problem is that of bringing the patients
within their sphere."