The Lincoln Times

32 Out Of Every 100 New Babies Will Have Cancer

CHICAGO- The largest cancer survey ever conducted showed today that 32 out of every 100 new-born babies in the United States may be expected to develop the disease during their remaining years of life.

The survey was made in 10 American metropolitan areas by the National Cancer Institute. Results were published in the journal of the American Medical Assn.

The survey showed "some progress" has been made in management of the cancer problem since the late 1930s despite a rise in incidence of reported cases from 1937 to 1947. The investigators said:

"Improved techniques for diagnosis have resulted in the discovery of some cases that in the past would have been missed. The number of physicians with training and experience in diagnosis of cancer has also increased. Improved economic conditions in 1947 compared with 1937 may also have contributed. People are more likely to obtain adequate and specialized medical care during economic prosperity than during a depression period."

Cancer incidence, prevalence and mortality rates were surveyed in 1937-39 and 1947-48 in Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, New Orleans, Dallas, Denver, San Francisco, and Birmingham, Ala.

The study showed:

Women have a slightly higher cancer rate than men --but solely because of their slightly longer life span.

Among children under 10, a somewhat higher percentage of males than females get cancer.

From age 20 to about 60 the cancer incidence is higher among females.

From age 60 on, the incidence is higher for males.

Between ages 25 and 45, the cancer rate in women is twice that in men.

In females, nearly half of all cancer originates in the reproductive organs, breasts and genitals and nearly a fourth in the digestive system.

Among males, only one cancer in eight originates in the reproductive organs, while a third originate in the digestive system.

The report was by Dr. John R. Hellen, Sidney J. Cutler, M. A. and William M. Haenszel, M. A., Bethesda, Md., of the National Cancer Institute of the U.S. Public Health Service.