頭頸部癌の社会医学的考察（第1報）

OBSERVATIONS ON CANCERS OF THE HEAD AND NECK REGION FROM THE STANDPOINT OF SOCIAL MEDICINE

　すべての疾患には，その発症，経過，予後について社会的因子が必ず関連している。この社会的因子を疎外して，疾病を論ずる場合，人間不在の医学にもなりかねない。しかし，かかる風潮は現在遺憾ながらないとはいえない。その点深く反省してみる必要がある。

　私どもは，わが科領城にもつとも関連の深い頭頸部癌について，社会医学的背景をもととして観察せんとして，各種調査を行ない，ここに報告し，今後の資料の一端に供せんとするものである。

　Statistical investigation on morbidity of cancer, particularly of the head and neck region, that occurred in Toyama Prefecture during the period of 5 years from 1961 through 1965, is made. Occurrence of cancer of this region amounted to 8.4% as compared to its occurrence elsewhere in the body. Of the particular organs involved laryngeal cancer occurred most frequently which was followed by that of nasal, esophageal, oral, thyroidal and pharyngeal in a descending order. In over-all morbidity the country district exceeded that of the urban. From the standpoint of treatment, aside from esophageal cancer 2/3 of the number of cases appeared to be treated by means of operation. Among those who remained untreated following the diagnosis of cancer the chief reason appeared to be too late in presenting themselves for investigation and the fear of the operative procedures. The establishment of early diagnosis and treatment was possible among the urban dwellers but seldom among those who lived in the country districts.