TREATMENT OF CANCER
The aim of cancer treatment is the complete removal or destruction of all cancerous tissue. In many cases, this can be done before the cancer has caused any damage.
Surgery
The purpose of cancer surgery is the total removal of all of the cancer. The surgeon cuts away some of the normal tissue as well, so that he can be certain of getting all the cancer cells.
X-ray, radium, and cobalt
The principle of X-ray, radium, and cobalt treatments for cancer is total destruction of all the cancer. The penetrating radiation from these sources damages tissue, especially tissue that is growing. Since cancer tissue grows rapidly, it is destroyed more rapidly than the normal body tissue.
Chemicals, hormones, and radio-active isotopes
Some chemical compounds retard the growth of cancer. Nitrogen mustard and related medicines have been useful in combating leukaemias, the malignancies of the blood-forming organs, and related diseases such as lymphosarcoma and Hodgkin’s disease. The chemical is injected into the veins.
Certain cancers respond to treatment with hormones, such as stilboestrol, a female hormone given for cancer of the prostate, and certain of the male hormones used in treating cancer of the breast.
Radio-active isotopes have been helpful in diagnosing and treating certain cancers, notably radio-active iodine for cancer of the thyroid. The isotope is taken in water, by mouth. Radio-active phosphorus is being used in some diseases of the blood-forming organs, especially in polycythaemia vera, also called erythraemia, a rare disease in which too many blood cells are produced.
Take steps to outwit, avoid, and fight cancer as you would any other danger that is lurking about.
The most important step is the regular physical check-up. Half of all cancers occur in parts of the body that a doctor can readily examine. Thousands of lives are saved every year by early treatment of cancer.
Avoid irritations and repeated injuries to your tissues that may pave the way for cancer.
Keep your skin, mouth, and teeth clean. Visit your dentist, as well as your doctor, regularly.
If you are a woman, examine your breasts once a month
Do not discuss symptoms with people outside the medical profession, and do not accept or give any advice except: See your doctor.
Beware of ‘sure cures’ for cancer. They are promised by quacks -either deliberate fakers or self-deceived crackpots.
If you have, or suspect you have, any of them, go to a reputable physician or clinic at once. Time is cancer’s greatest ally.
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