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The Wingham Advance-Times, 1985-04-17, Page 4Page 4—The Wingham Advance -Times, Apr. 11, 19165 How your money fights cancer RESEARCH Canadian research, large- ly supported by the public funds donated to the Canadi- an Cancer Society in its an- nual April campaign, has made significant contribu- tions to the world-wide fight against cancer, including: the "Cobalt Bomb" develop- ed by Dr. Harold E. Johns; vinblastine, a drug useful in treating various forms of cancer, discovered by Dr. R. L. Noble; and radioauto- graphy, developed by Dr. C. P. Leblond. Money is spent on fellowships for individual Scientists, the largest part is devoted to specific aspects of cancer research. Of each dollar donated to the Canadi- anCancer Society, 58 cents is given to research. SERVICE TO PATIENTS - Cancer patients often need a special type of care and a special type of support and encouragement. This care and morale -building interest is provided by members of the Ontario Division Service to Patients Committee. these volunteers visit pa- tients in homes ancospit- ajs, make dressings, deliver gifts, provide transportation to treatment centres and pain -killing drugs for needy patients. This service re- quires 15 cents of each dol- lar. EDUCATION One of the most important functions of the Ontario Divi- sion of the Society is the edu- cation of people of Ontario about cancer and the man- ner in which each person can fight the disease. This edu- cation is carried on in schools and industry through films, speeches, billboards, publicity material for the media and the distribution of free pamphlets such as "Help for Smokers", "Can- cer Facts", and "Research vs. Cancer This work takes another 13 cents of each dol- lar donated. ADMINISTRATION Although 95 per cent of the Society's work is carried out by volunteers, funds are re- quired to pay the salaries of permanent employees and to provide the necessary busi- ness equipment in Ontario. This takes about six cents of each dollar. Smoking excuses. The reasons some people givefor not quilling would kill you. ..THE EXCUSE: "It helps me relax." ..THE FACTS: You're right, it does. But what you don't realize is that the need to relax is brought on by your smoking. The diehard smok- er's nervous, system expects the regular jolts that nicotine supplies to his system. Deny the nervous system nicotine and it fights back by making the smoker irritable, nerv- ous and tense. So the vicious cycle starts again with the next cigarette. Want to real- ly relax? Quit. ..THE EXCUSE: "I'II gain weight if I quit." ..THE FACTS: Not neces- sarily. Only one-third of peo- ple' who quit actually gain weight. These are people who generally substitute eat- ing to satisfy their oral crav- ings when they first quit. , One-third lose weight — these are people who start.a general physical fitness pro- gram when they stop smok- ing. And one-third do not gain or lose at all. .. THE EXCUSE: "The link between cigarettes and can- cer hasn't really been prov- en." ..THE FACTS: You're really kidding yourself if you still cling to this old myth. The evidence linking smok- ing to lung cancer is over- whelming. One recent report in which over 34,000 men were studied over a 20 year period showed that the annu- al death rate for lung cancer was 10 per 100,000 in non- smokers; 104 for smokers. Even more startling were the death rates according to amounts smoked: •these were 52 per 100,000 for smokers of fewer than 15 cig= arettes a day, 106 for 15 to 24 cigarettes a day and 224 for those who smoked more than 25 a day. ,The more you smoke, the bigger the gamble becomes. If you smoke a pack a day, accord- ing to the results gathered in a British study, you are more than 20 times as likely to get lung cancer than if you don't smoke at all. THE EXCUSE: "There are lots of people who smoke. They're aren't worried, so why should I be?" :.THE FACTS: Then why is that more people are quitting than ever before? Non- smokers now form over 58 per cent of the population over the age of 15. A decade ago, they had a slender ma- jority of 51.6 per cent; before that there were more adult smokers than non-smokers. If you quit smoking today, you're clearly in the major- ity. ..THE EXCUSE: "I don't smoke that much so it's okay." ..THE FACTS: Just cutting down isn't the answer. Even smoking less than 15 cigaret- tes a day, you're five times as likely to get lung cancer than a non-smoker according to one study. Is it really worth it? It's also interesting to consider the statement from a report by The Royal Ebllege of Physicians in Lon- don, 1977 — "From the study of British Doctors, it may be calculated that the average loss of life of a smoker of 20 cigarettes per day is about five years." THE EXCUSE: "I only smoke those light, low tar cigarettes ... so I'm safe." ..THE FACTS: Quite theop- posite. Many smokers tend to modify their smoking pat- tern according to the strength of the cigarette be- ing smoked. Since a smoker smokes for nicotine, when he switches to a low tar, low nicotine cigarette, he smokes, more cigarettes, takes more puffs and inhales more deeply to compensate for the lower nicotine con- centrations in the cigarette. ..THE EXCUSE: • "If I want to smoke, why don't people just leave me alone and let me do it?„_ ..THE FACTS: The evi- dence is building that your exhaled cigarette smoke can seriously affect the health of others. A recent study of married couples found that your lifespan is shortened if you are a non-smoker mar- ried to someone who smokes. What's more, the burden smokers place on society in health care costs due to smoking-related conditions is enormous, not to mention the burden smoking mothers place on unborn children. If you smoke, the chances are much greater that your chil- dren will follow your example and also become smokers. One-third of all fires in Canada are caused by smokers. And you still think you're not bothering anyone? THE EXCUSE: "I've tried to quit, I just can't." ..THE FACTS,: Smokers who can't kick the habit are often viewed unsympathetic- ally because of their appar- ent lack of will power. "After all," others say, "You just have to make up your mind to quit, and then do it." It's not that easy. While your mind does play a big part in the quitting process, your body is another story. Most smokers have developed a physical dependency on nicotine, as shown by the un- pleasant withdrawal symp- toms they experience when they quit. These smokers should consult their doctors for advice. New medical aids are available to help break the actual dependence on. nicotine. .. THE EXCUSE: "After 20 years of smoking the dam- age is done. Why quit now?" ..THE FACTS: This,fatalis- tic attitude is common to many smokers who play the lung cancer lottery, but the facts are , reason for opti- mism. Death rates among ex-smokers start to decrease about one year after they stop smoking. Statistics also show that eventually, ex- smokers take on a low-risk rate close to that of people who have never smoked. It's never too late to quit. Know cancer's warning signals 1. Change in bowel or blad- der habits. 2. A sore that does not heal. 3. Unusual bleeding or dis- charge. 4. Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere. �. 1..uAgeSiiug. ui u:.tiiculty in swallowing. 6. Obvious change in wart or mole. 7. Nagging cough or hoarseness. If. you have a warning sig- nal, see your doctor. CAMPAIGN COSTS The time and effort involv- ed in conducting the Soci- ety's annual campaign is given freely and voluntarily, but it still costs monev to col- lect money. Campaign post- ers, canvasser's kits and many other tools necessary for a successful campaign takes five -cents -off -each--dol=. lar donated. LODGES There 'are four patient lodges in Ontario — in To- ronto, London, Thunder Bay and Ottawa. These are bright, attractive accommo- dations "a home away from home" — for cancer patients undergoing treat- ment. Many services are provided by Society volun- teers. Of each dollar donated three cents goes toward the provision of these lodges. SEPARATE CAMPAIGN The Canadian Cancer So- ciety cannot combine its fund raising with other local campaigns because no joint community appeal could af- ford the increasing costs off research and provide the fa- cilities necessary to house these projects. The funds re- quired by the Society must cover capital- expenditures in research in addition to year- round operating expenses. With the single exception of the National Cancer Institute of Canada, which does not :canvass for funds, there are no other organizations affili- ated with the Canadian Can- cer Society. The, Society is a registered Canadian charit- able organization under the Income Tax Act and dona- tions to it may be claimed by the donors as income tax de- ductions to the extent pro- vided by the Act. We are winning is April slogan April is traditionally Can- Researchers also are mak- cer Month. The theme for ing important advances in this year's campaign is "We successfully treating the di - are Winning". Although can- sease. Today up to 51 per cer remains one of the coun- cent of cancern patients are try's major health problems, cured. In 1971 the survival there are a number of en- rate was only 31 per cent. couraging developments in To continue this important the areas of cancer preven- research, the Wingham and tion and treatment that war- District Branch of the Cana - rant this optimistic theme. dian Cancer Society will be The researchers believe conducting its annual door - that 60 to 65 per cent of all to -door canvass during cancers could be prevented. April. The Branch hopes to One of these researchers, raise $19,7000. Dr. J. F. Rauscher, recently Where your Cancer dollar stated, "Much of what caus- goes: 61 cents to research; 16 es cancer has to do with life- cents to patient "services; 14 style. Cancer occurs because cents to education; six cents of something we eat, or to fund raising; and 3 cents. where we work-" to administration. Pap test is important The uterus, or womb, is a small, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. Is has two parts: the uterus itself, and the neck of the uterus, or the cervix. The test for changes in the cervix or neck of the womb which can tell if a pre-can— cerous or cancerous condi- tion exists is known as the 'Pap test' or the 'Pap smear'. It is now part of the standard gynecological exam. This simple 'yet very important test is painless and can be carried out in your doctor'soffice in a mat- ter of minutes. If you are sexually active or are over 18 years of age, discuss with your doctor how often you should have the test, since this may vary according to age and certain other risk factors. However, it should be done regularly. HOW IS IT DONE? Cells are gently taken from the surface of the cer- vix and placed on a glass slide which is sent to a labor- atory. The cells are then ex- amined under a microscope. In most women, these cells are absolutely normal. In a very few about :six out of every thousand — the cells do not look normal. When this occurs the test is repeat- ed and, if necessary, further examinations made. THEN WHAT? Even if further investiga- tion or treatment is required, the Pap test enables doctors to discover cancer, or pre- cancerous changes, early so that the chances of a com- plete cure are greatly in- creased. If any abnormality is found, some additional procedures may be done by your doctor. n� A very common diagnostic procedure is biopsy, where a small piece of tissue is re- moved and examined under a microscope. In a "cone - biopsy", the doctor removes a cone-shaped piece of the cervix which may not only be helpful in diagnosis, but,aalso as treatment. Another simple diagnostic procedure is a "colposcopy", which is Wording makes How a non-smoking sign is worded has an effect on the likelihood of compliance, in- dicates a study which des- cribes the effects of no non- smoking signs, vs sharply worded injunctions against smoking, vs more pleasant- ly -worded signs, The scene of the study was the lobby of a United States Veterans Ad- ministration Medical Center. The "negative" signs said: "No smoking — offenders subject to fine" and "Hospit- al smoking policy strictly en- forced." The "positive" signs said either "Please do not smoke" or "Consider others' health, do not smoke." done in much the same way as a Pap test. The doctor uses a special microscope to examine the tissue of the cervix and vagina. If abnormal cells are found, one simple treatment is "cryotherapy", a proce- dure which "freeze -burns" away the abnormal cells and is often 'done in a special clinic. It is unlikely to have any effect on a woman's fer- tility. , or futurechild, bearings, Another, simple treatment is, "laser cautery", where a very fine, precise beam of focused light vaporizes pre- cancerous cells on the cervix or vagina. GOOD ADVICE If you are told that your test is normal, you will na- turally feel very happy. Re- member though that the preservation of good health requires that the test should be repeatedly regularly. You should also remain alert to any unusual symptoms such as spotting after intercourse, or bleeding, after meno- pause. You should see your doctor at the first sign of anything abnormal. Keep in mind that, though the Pap testis very successful in.de- tecting cervical cancer, which is found in the neck of the womb, it isn't as effec- tive in detecting the other major form of uterine can- cer, endometrial cancer. This is a type of cancer found in the lining of the uterus which is called the endo- metrium. Here, the report- ing of any abnormality and regular gynecological exams will help in The early detec- tion and treatment. HAS THE PAP TEST HELPED'? The mortality rate from cancer of the cervix 'was generally on the increase un- til the early 1950s. That's when the Pap test was intro- duced to Canadians on, a large scale by the Canadian Cancer Society. Since then there has been a significant decline in the death rate from cervical cancer. One of the most important reasons is early treatment as a result of the Pap test. difference Observations of the pro- portions of people smoking in the lobby under the three dif- ferent sign conditions show- ed that while 29 per cent of those using the lobby smoked when there were no signs, this dropped to 11 per cent with negative signs and to five per cent with positive signs. Women seemed to be particularly affected by the more courteously -worded signs. The proportion of men smoking when faced with the different signs dropped from 37 per cent to 15 per cent to seven per cent. At the same time, the proportion of smoking women dropped from eight per cent to three per cent to zero per cent. APRIL • isHCancer Month a Investigate the advantages of belonging to a member owned financial ,institution where your money works in the community. 8 Alfred St., Wingham 357-2311 North Huron Credit Union The Town of Wingham Tools'an'd Equipment for Home - ,Farrn - Contractor RENTALS AND SALES 414 Josephine St. N., Wingham, Ontario Hwy. 8 W. Bus. 357-1666 Clinton 482-3339 11 MAITLAND ENGINEERING SERVICES LTD. 449 Josephine Street, Wingham Telephone: (519) 357-1521 GEMINI JEWELLERS 214 Josephine St., Wingham Watch for our sale of Crystal & Royal Doulton China Excellent Gift For That Someone Special 357-2670 zehrs fine markets.. of fine foods Wingham, Ont. Blyth 523-4241. HOWSON MILLS Flour and Feed Millers Grain Elevators Wingham 357-2700 Cargill 366-2225 RALPH'S TEXACO Come see us for your spring tune-up 357-1540 - " 5 Victoria Street Wingham, Ont. C. E. MacTAVISH LIMITED 161 Josephine St., Wingham, Ont. 357-2841 SUPER X DRUGS 357-1243 Zehrs Plaza Wingham Vance's Lee`Vance Ltd. - 357-2170 Surgical Supplies - GUARDIAN DRUGS Elizabeth Arden Cosmetics Laura Secord Candies Pharmacy L. E. Vance Phm. B WINGHAM Veterinary Supplies ASSOCIATE STORE Wingham Mon. - Sat. 8 am - 6 pm; Thurs. Fri. till 9 pm