S1R,—May I remark (1) that because immensely greater numbers of
people now survive to advanced age, many of whom at death have a lung cancer which has not even been suspected, the numbers of lung cancer deaths have risen so sharply as to cause alarm and even panic;
(2) that there are more painful ways of dying than lung cancer; (3) that we all have to die some way and some day, and mostly people seem to live very much longer; so why all the fuss ?
(4) that though smoking may be a stupid and a dangerous habit, it may be preferable to the alternative which I know exists in
my own case, viz. certification as insane. But for this I would give it up today. I prefer sanity and the risk of cancer. And I would greatly prefer, although enjoying life, to die at 55 than at 65 or any greater age. The modern world is no place for any- one over middle age. It demands too much speed, endurance and concentration. Smok- ing makes it tolerable to grow less and less able to cope with ' civilised' life.—Yours faithfully,
c. M. HUSSF.Y 24 Hurst View Road, South Croydon
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