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National Geographic : 1951 Apr
Contents
More alertness ... less danger from CANCER Although cancer ranks second among the causes of death in our country, headway is being made against it. In fact, medical science is making such progress against this disease that there are now four chances out of five for curing some types of cancer-provided diagnosis is made early and proper treatment is carried out promptly. One of the reasons why there is increasing hope of bringing cancer under control is that more and more people are facing the facts about this disease. They are learning its possible early "warning signs" and are seeing their doctor as soon as they notice any of them. These Are Cancer's "Warning Signs" 1. Any lump or thickening, especially in the breast, lip, or tongue. 2. Any irregular or unexplained bleeding. 3. Any sore that does not heal, particularly about the mouth, tongue, or lips. 4. Progressive change in the color or size of a mole, wart, or birthmark. 5. Loss of appetite or continued indigestion. 6. Any persistent hoarseness, sore throat or difficulty in swallowing. 7. Any persistent change in normal elimination. Pain is not usually an early symptom of cancer. Metropolitn ^^^iinrance CompanyTTH^^^^ These "warning signs" do not necessarily mean cancer. In fact, in the great majority of cases, they are due to other causes. They do, however, indicate that something is wrong-and that an immediate medical examination is advisable. If the doctor finds cancer or conditions leading to it, he will recommend prompt treatment-usually complete removal by surgery, destruction by X-ray or radium, or by a combination of the two. Surgical techniques are constantly being im proved so that operations for cancer may be per formed with a minimum of risk. Machines that emit X-rays of greater penetrating power are mak ing this form of treatment more effective. Medical science is continuing its search for other ways to attack cancer. For example, hormone therapy is of benefit in some types of cancer, even when the disease is advanced. In addition, the search is on to discover chemical compounds which will destroy cancer cells without harming normal cells. Studies are also continuing on tests to detect cancer early. While the outlook for the conquest of cancer be comes more hopeful each year, alertness on the part of each individual is still necessary to curb it. That is why doctors urge prompt medical care at the first sign of trouble-for cancer can be cured in most cases if detected and treated early. Please send me a copy of your booklet, 41N, "What You Should Know About Cancer." Name Street .. b City State I -- - - - - - _- - - - _ 1 -1
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