The operations of the Foundation are among patients 
who are unable to pay for services. Its work is supported by 
contributions from its board members, from industrial 
organizations, and from its membership campaign. 
The reason for organizing the Foundation was to focus 
the attention of the medical profession and the laity on cancer. 
Special hospitals, special educational propaganda, special 
dissemination of knowledge, and special interest were neces- 
sary to cope with the varied and increasing disasters which 
rancer produces. 
The economical phase of the burden of cancer is im- 
portant. The disease, coming as it does in adult life, draws 
upon the resources of heads of families, incapacitates the 
father or the mother, in each case a contributing wage-earner, 
and disturbs the harmony and financial equilibrium of 
families who, under ordinary circumstances, are able to meet 
the demands of the upkeep of their homes. An additional 
burden unlooked for, unprovided for in the past, causes an 
upheaval. How much more true is this in families who, even 
under ordinary circumstances, cannot maintain their social 
equilibrium without help? At the present rate of increase, its 
effect on man-power in industry must be seriously felt in 
time. Should not the burden be distributed more equally on 
all members of society? 
The purpose of this organization is to find ways and 
means of bringing the patient in contact with the physician 
at the time when early signs of cancer develop. It is knowl- 
edge of symptoms of this type, signs of the nature indicated, 
which should be disseminated. It would seem almost a 
repetition to say that it is the general public who should be 
acquainted with these indications, and it is the purpose and 
the aim of the Pittsburgh Skin and Cancer Foundation to 
place this knowledge where it will do the greatest amount of 
good. This phase of the work is undertaken as the propa- 
ganda or educational function through social service agencies. 
men’s and women’s clubs, personal contact with patients, 
their families and friends, so that the community will be 
informed of the war on cancer. 
A great many advances are necessary to combat this 
disease more successfully. These advances can only be