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Show REVEILLE It seems that there is so much in this world that requires righting that one does not know where to start. Whatever summons comes to hand to bulwark the cause of justice, to stamp out war, to heal the sick most of us ' seem to feel willing enough but somehow we are tardy in our enlistment. Something comes between the good impulse and the act of service. We admit the worthiness of many causes but we often despair of our ability to achieve any real progress. Our sense of helplessness often blocks our volunteering During the month of April, an appeal is being made for volunteers to fight against cancer. It will be interesting to note the response to this cause. If it is shown that there is something tangible that all of us may do to conquer this prolific killer of humanity, then it seems certain that the help will be forthcoming. So all of us should examine the facts as presented by the American Cancer Society in its appeal.' The Society lays claim to promising accomplishments in three fields research, education, and service. The first means the widespread investigation into the causes of cancer, can-cer, new means of treating it, and new techniques for curing it. We have the word of some of the nation's foremost scientists scien-tists that a cure for cancer may be discovered in "our time." In the past year many new facts about the disease have been established. Some chemical compounds have been developed de-veloped that already have a beneficial effect on some types of cancerous growths. Further refinement can lead to real cures, the investigators believe. Surgery and radiation the use of x-rays, radium and radioactive substances are being used regularly to cure cancer. It is estimated that at least a third of the 200,000 cancer deaths last year could have been prevented had early treatment treat-ment been given. But, to assure prompt treatment the disease di-sease must be detected in its early stages During the past year the Cancer Society has found that progress was made in the education program. One survey showed that the proportion of early cancer cases hospitalized for treatment has almost tripled in the last ten years. Other data indicates that cancer is now regarded by the public as this country's most dangerous disease. The service program, both for doctors and lay people has been greatly increased during the past year. Doctors have been aided in giving better service to patients. Cancer sufferers suf-ferers are helped in obtaining treatment. Trained volunteers help in home treatment, supply sick room equipment, bandages band-ages and dressings. So there seems to be ample evidence that something can be done about cancer in all three fields research, education and service. The American Cancer Society points out that your help is needed. This might well be a splendid release from today's v atomb bomb nerves, from the frustrations and cares of modern . day living. It won't cure all your ills. But you can do something. ( Go fight cancer ! |