THE ROLE OF INJUDICIOUS ENDOCRINE THERAPY

Abstract

Our purpose in this presentation is to direct attention to a practice that is proving to be a serious factor in the delayed diagnosis of uterine cancer. We refer specifically to the indiscriminate use of endocrine therapy for the control of abnormal bleeding from the genital tract, when an organic cause for such hemorrhage has either been undiscovered or ignored. It is generally recognized, both by the profession at large and especially by workers in the field of pelvic malignancy, that delay in diagnosis is the most important explanation of the low curability rate of uterine cancer. Both patient and physician share in this responsibility. Recognition that lack of knowledge, actual fear of learning the truth and associated reasons influence women to avoid medical consultation when abnormal vaginal bleeding occurs has led to intensive campaigns among the general public for cancer detection. The work of the Women's Field Army of