28 MARCH 1925, Page 20

The Conquest of Cancer, by H. W. S. Wright (Kegan

Paul), and cancer and the Public, by Charles P. Childe (Methuen), are written from much the same point of view. Both authors are more anxious to bring before the public the already known facts than to advance theories of the cause of cancer. Both state definitely that with modern technique if a .cancer patient submits to an operation early enough he can be cured. And both point out, in sorrow and exaspera7 tion, the reasons why so many patients wait a few weeks or a few months, until nothing can be done for them. Many quite stupidly put off seeing a doctor for fear he should say they have cancer—and so unwittingly destroy their own lives. Many are still under the impression that surgical operations for cancer are valueless. Many are ashamed to confess to having cancer. But the worst difficulty is that cancer in the earlier stages is not painful ; and it is just in those stages that the surgeon has- the clearest chance of success. - It is certainly to be advocated that all men and women over thirty-five or forty should be educated in the signs of cancer and urged to see a doctor if any grounds for suspicion occur. Mr. Childe's book gives the fullest account of pre-cancerous conditions and of the signs of early cancer. One in every ten dies of cancer, and it is absurd that for lack of education we should allow all these deaths. While Mr. Wright's, book is very much shorter, it will probably be found instructive and useful.

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