RADIATION THERAPY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CANCER OF THE UTERINE CERVIX
by Simeon T. Cantril,M.D. '29. Charles C. Thomas, 200 pages.$5.00.
Dr. Cantril's monograph is a real addition to the literature on cancer of the cervix. It is not only a review of his own experience with this disease, but also a valuable reference handbook in summarizing the work being done in this field in other major centers.
The importance of the subject is pointed up by the occurrence of cancer of the cervix as one of every four malignancies in women. Although primarily a disease of middle age, it is occasionally found in the second and third decades. Pregnancy seems to be a predisposing cause, since the condition occurs fourteen times as frequently in women who have borne children as in single women. It is surprising that in the author's experience the earliest symptom, vaginal bleeding, is not the one which most commonly brings the patient to the physician. This observation emphasizes the need for lay education, and with the continuing efforts of the various interested organizations, it is probable that this situation will be improved as time goes on. One factor in this delay, the author points out, is the patient's fear of being told she has cancer. It is his opinion that in the management of a case, however, complete honesty with the patient is the only sound basis on which the long and arduous treatment regime can be built.
Dr. Cantril reviews the forms of treatment which have been employed, from the early and usually unsuccessful attempts with surgery to the present generally accepted use of x-ray and radium in combination. He discusses the most recent trial of newer surgical methods with the conclusion that it is yet too early to judge the value of these methods. For the radiologist, there is a complete discussion of the various factors involved in treatment, and the appendix contains helpful reference tables.
The author's results reveal the high level of care which his patients have received. His figure of 88 per cent five-year survivals in his Stage I (early) cases is the highest reported in the literature. These results emphasize also the importance of early treatment. Cancer of the cervix, like any other cancer, can be cured in a high percentage of cases when proper treatment is given early.
