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Damon Runyon Memorial Fund for Cancer Research, Inc.-Geographical breakdown of allocations, Aug. 31, 1953—Continued

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Damon Runyon Memorial Fund for Cancer Research, Inc.-Geographical breakdown of allocations, Aug. 31, 1953—Continued

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Geographical breakdown of allocations for the month of September 1953

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NOTE. To date, $7,246,786.65 has been allocated in 388 grants and 256 fellowships, in 170 institutions, in 47 States, the District of Columbia, and 14 foreign countries.

The CHAIRMAN. I wish there were more individuals who would take the personal interest in this that Walter Winchell has taken who, in his inimitable way, directs attention to this in a manner that the public understands, and does it on a basis without any cost whatsoever. I understand that he personally bears the entire cost of the administration of it. So, I am gratified to know that some individuals do appreciate the importance of this and the extent of giving all their abilities to carry it on.

Dr. Granger is here of the Food and Drug Administration.

Doctor, do you have any statement that you would like to make at this time?

Dr. GRANGER. No, sir; I have no statement.

The CHAIRMAN. Well, I can readily understand that the Food and Drug Administration in its desire to properly protect the people of the country in accordance with what is expected of it, can only do that to the extent that the necessary funds are supplied by Congress to enable it to do the things that it finds necessary to do with respect to prosecution or otherwise of those who may be taking advantage, or seem to be taking advantage of the public.

Now, in conclusion, I want to say again that I find it as difficult today, as I did yesterday, to express my appreciation on behalf of this committee for the splendid worthwhile service that has been rendered, not only to the committee but we hope through it, to the country, by those who have appeared here today on this panel.

We realize that you are all busy men. You have given time out of your busy life because you are interested in this subject.

It has been most gratifying to us to realize that men of your standing, men of your ability, and men who are inspired as you are to be helpful, are working on this disease that has brought such great distress to our people.

I can only say in these feeble words, "We thank you most heartily for your appearance here today," and for the help that you have given us.

As we proceed with these hearings, opportunity will be given to others who may wish to appear for reasons that are substantial that entitle them to be heard.

This committee has only one desire and that is to be helpful in an objective way. We are in no way going to close the door on anyone who may sincerely and conscientiously feel he has something to contribute which will be of help to the people, whether it be of benefit in regard to this disease or any other disease that this committee will give its attention to during the course of its hearings in the next 2 or 3 weeks.

I cannot say too emphatically that this committee has a desire to be of service, and we will listen in the hope that what is said will enable us no matter from what source it comes, to be helpful in the prosecution of that which we have taken upon ourselves in making a study of these diseases and finding what can be done to accelerate the progress that is being made toward their elimination.

We thank you.

(The following material was submitted for the record:)

101 ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT CANCER

These 101 questions have been selected by physicians engaged in health education as those most frequently asked by the layman about cancer. The answers are necessarily brief. For further information, consult your family physician or your State or local office of the American Cancer Society.

1. What is cancer?

1. WHAT IT IS

Cancer is a disorderly growth of cells of the body's tissues. It is not governed by the laws which control the growth of normal cells. If it is not destroyed or removed, it never ceases to grow and eventually causes death.

2. What is the difference between normal and cancerous growth?

Normal growth begins whon the fertilized egg or ovum divides into two cells and it continues, under the control of natural body forces, until maturity is reached. Thereafter growth takes place only to replace injured or wornout tissue.

Cancer arises when a cell or group of cells begins to grow in a wild disorderly manner. The cells of this disorderly growth do not respond to the controls which keep normal cells in check. They force their way among the normal cells in the vicinity and later spread to other parts of the body. This uncontrolled cell growth is cancer.

3. Is cancer contagious or infectious?

As cancer is not due to a germ, it is neither contagious nor infectious. There is no record in medical literature of physicians or nurses having gotten cancer from their patients despite the most intimate contact with them. A person can no more catch cancer from another than he can catch the color of his eyes. 4. Is cancer a blood disease?

No. The only part blood plays in cancer is that of a mechanical carrier of the cancer cells from one part to another of the patient's body. However, cancer may develop in certain tissues which form the cells of the blood.

5. How does cancer spread through the body?

In three ways: (1) Cancer cells grow through the walls of blood vessels and are carried by the bloodstream to distant part of the body; (2) they enter the lymphatic stream in a similar manner and are carried to nearby lymph glands; (3) the cancer cells grow directly from one tissue into another.

6. How fast does cancer grow?

There is no definite rate of growth of cancer tissue. Some types will grow more in a few weeks than other types will in several years.

7. Is cancer a single disease?

No. The term "cancer" includes all forms of malignant growth. Very many varieties are known. These have certain characteristics in common, such as uncontrolled growth, tendency to spread widely in the body, and fatal termination

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NOTE: AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RESEARCH FUNDS ARE THOSE ALLOCATED FROM CAMPAIGN FUNDS. STATISTICAL RESEARCH SECTION, MEDICAL AND SCIENTIFIC DEPARTMENT, AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

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