“With recognition of, and prompt action upon early symptoms, the death rate can be cut down at least a half; probably more.
“The fatalism which says: ‘If it’s cancer, I might as well give up,’ is foolish, cowardly, and suicidal.
“And, finally, here is some simple advice, intelligible to any thinking human being, which has been indorsed in printed form by the Congress of Surgeons of North America:—
“‘Be careful of persistent sores or irritations, external or internal.
“‘Be careful of yourself, without undue worry. At the first suspicious symptom go to some good physician and demand the truth. Don’t wait for pain to develop.
“‘If the doctor suspects cancer insist that he confirm or disprove his suspicions.
“‘Don’t be a hopeless fatalist. If it’s cancer face it bravely. With courage and prompt action the chances of recovery are all in your favor.
“‘Don’t defer an advised operation even for a day; and don’t shrink from the merciful knife, when the alternative is the merciless anguish of slow death.’
“For the woman who fears the knife, Dr. Charles H. Mayo, one of the greatest of living surgeons, has spoken the final words: ‘The risk is not in surgery, but in delayed surgery.’
“I have said my say, ladies, and there are five minutes left. Has any one any further questions?”