In spite of all the new views about cancer, I am sure we are not mistaken in taking the cause to be a combination of factors, including nutrition, housing conditions, occupation, lack of oxygen and necessary exercise, as well as the mental state and attitude of the person. What is more, it can no longer be denied that an inherited predisposition contributes to cancer. The empirical fact that it is possible for therapies to be useless even if employed in the early stages of the disease, according to personal disposition and the reaction of the body, is a reason for sadness on the part of all therapists. No other illness presents more surprises to the doctor, even the specialist, than cancer. He may be successful in treating a severe case, but a seemingly mild one can suddenly take a turn for the worse against all expectations.
There is a practical lesson to be learned from this. It is absolutely necessary to take certain precautionary measures, particularly once you have reached the age of forty. You should be sure to avoid all carcinogenic influences. This means primarily tobacco, most chemical medicines, also colourings and flavourings in food and drinks. Another thing to avoid is constant or prolonged overtired-ness. Mental and emotional stress and strain, worries and constant feelings of depression are equally dangerous. They should be com-batted right away and every endeavour made to overcome them.
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