London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Bromley 1953
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Bromley]
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18
Other Causes of Death.
There were 18 deaths from violence, including 5 suicides.
5 motor vehicle accidents and 8 other accidents which occurred in
the Borough during the year 1953.
Cancer of the Lung.
During the years 1950/53. eighty-two persons have died of
cancer of the lung. This cause of death has increased in recent
years. In 1950 it was seventeen, and in 1953. twenty-nine. 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
For the fourth year in succession, there were no maternal
deaths in the Borough.
Causes and rates of maternal mortality in the Borough, in five-yearly periods since 1911. are given below:—
| Five-yearly period. | Puerperal Sepsis. | Other Puerperal causes. | Rate per 1,000 births. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1911-1915 | 4 | 5 | 2 |
| 1916-1920 | 9 | 9 | 6 |
| 1921-1925 | 6 | 7 | 4 |
| 1926-1930 | 4 | 6 | 3 |
| 1931-1935 | 6 | 9 | 4 |
| 1936-1940 | 4 | 9 | 3 |
| 1941-1945 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| 1946-1950 | 1 | 3 | 0.7 |
| 1951 | — | — | — |
| 1952 | — | — | — |
| 1953 | — | — | — |
INFANTILE MORTALITY.
The Infant Mortality Rate for the year is 14.8 per 1.000 live
births.
13 infants died during 1953 before reaching their first birthday.
Of this number. 12 were legitimate and 1 illegitimate. There were
6 neonatal deaths (under one month of age).
In my previous Annual Reports for 1944 and 1946 I discussed
Infantile Mortality and its analyses. What was said then applies
now.
UNEMPLOYMENT.
I am indebted to the Manager of the Bromley Employment
Exchange for the following information with regard to unemployment
during 1953:—