ENDOCRINE GLAND SURGERY FOR SECONDARY PREVENTION
The growth of some
cancers is influenced by certain of the endocrine glands. For example, in the spread
of prostate cancer, hormones of the testicles play a role. It has been found
that the painful metastases of prostate cancer to bone can be relieved for long
periods by removal of the testicles. This is not as drastic as it sounds, since
prostate cancer patients have reached an age when the eunuchizing effects
of testicle removal will be minimal.
When breast cancer gets out of control and spreads to bones
and other parts of the body, an endocrine gland operation may help to extend
life for months and even years. The operation may be on the ovaries, adrenal
glands, or pituitary gland in the brain. The age of the patient, the duration
of the cancer, and the location of the metastases will be considered before the
decision as to which operation to use is made.
Tertiary Prevention Perhaps not
too far distant is the day when organ transplantation be- comes fully
practical. Then cancers that are destroying such vital organs as the liver and
the pancreas may be removed entirely, and the missing organ will be replaced by
a transplant from a cadaver. Cancer Phobia Cancer is such a dreaded disease
that, understandably, many people have an irrational fear of it.
The realistic
fear that everyone has of this disease should be allayed by the sensible,
scientific approach to prevention presented in this book. If strong fear of
cancer persists, the phobia should be discussed with your doctor.
He can help you overcome it. If not, then he may wish you to
have a talk with a psychotherapist.
