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18
Some of the causes of death seem to call for
special comment, and the accompanying graphs have
been prepared to show the death rates from these
diseases during the past ten years.
CANCER.
One hundred and forty-one deaths, or nearly l/10th
of the total, were certified as due to some form of
cancer. The curve of the disease during the past ten
years shows that, as in other towns, there has been
a slight increase in mortality as compared with 1917,
but apparently less in Bethnal Green than has been
experienced in some towns. Part of this increase is
probably due to more accurate diagnoses. Nevertheless,
the figures throughout the country generally are
somewhat disquieting. Yarious committees have been
appointed by the Ministry of Health to investigate
cancer, and during the year reports on the aims and
results of operative treatment have been presented.
It would appear from these reports that many forms
of cancer are more amenable to early surgical treatment
than was appreciated. This particularly applies to
cancer of the breast, and it is important that any
woman with a suspicious swelling in this region should
seek skilled advice at the earliest possible moment so
that the undoubted benefit of early surgical treatment
may be secured. It is to be remembered that in the
majority of these cases the initial swelling is quite
painless. In addition, radiology has made advances
by the use of powerful x-rays (Erlangen Therapy)
in the treatment of the deeper-seated growths.
Educational efforts should be continued amongst the
public, pointing out the necessity for early diagnosis
and early operation.
RHEUMATIC DISEASES
The group of rheumatic diseases is of great
importance to the community. It is estimated that
in England and Wales 30,000 deaths are due annually