View report page

CANCER OF THE LUNG.
During the years 1950/53. one hundred and twelve persons
have died of cancer of the lung. This cause of death has increased
in recent years. In 1950. it was thirty-one. and in 1953. thirty-eight.
This increase may be due to better diagnosis, but the general
opinion is that it is an actual increase of the disease throughout the
country. No other form of cancer shows a like increase.
Investigations as to the reason for this increase are actively proceeding
under the direction of the Medical Research Council, and
it is too early yet to say whether it is due to excessive smoking or
to carcinogenic factors in the atmosphere. However, a field for
prevention lies open.
MATERNAL MORTALITY.
There were no maternal deaths in the Urban District during
1953.
INFANTILE MORTALITY.
The Infant Mortality Rate for the year is 24.0 per 1,000 live
births. Thirty-one infants died during the year before reaching
their first birthday. Of this number, 29 were legitimate and
2 illegitimate. There were 21 neonatal deaths (under 1 month of
age).
UNEMPLOYMENT.
I am indebted to the Manager of the Local Employment
Exchange for the following information:—
" The position in 1953 has been much the same as in 1952.
Unemployment has been slight and. in the main, due to slackness
of trade in other areas.
For the fit and able man or woman prepared to work in
London, there have been, generally speaking, reasonable opportunities
of work."