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79
The question as to the increased prevalence of
"cancer" is almost as eagerly discussed just now, as
is that of the suppression of tuberculosis. With a
view to examining the former question, the deaths
recorded in the parish since 1868, the first year of
which any tabulated records have been preserved, have
been taken out, and the averages for the three decennia
which have since elapsed, have been struck. "Cancer"
is uot a disease affecting the young, as is shown by
the fact that of 2,016 deaths recorded between 1875
and 1897 (inclusive) only 25 occurred in persons
under 25 years of age. For this reason, in the
tabulated statement here set out, the populations at
ages above 25 at each census has been given to enable
some idea to be formed of the actual increase in the
frequency in the records.
Ten years, 1868-77.
Population aged 25 years and upwards.
Total number of deaths 527 Census 1861 39,093
Annual average 52 7 „ 1871 50,068
Ten years, 1878-87.
Population aged 25 years and upwards.
Total number of deaths 758 Census 1871 50,068
Annual average 75.8 „ 1881 55,573
Ten years, 1888-97.
Population aged 25 years and upwards.
Total number of deaths 1,067 Census 1881 55,573
Annual average 106.7 „ 1891 62,060
Inoreasc in avarage annual number of deaths in third as
compared with first period 102.4 per cent.
Do. do. population aged 25 years and
upwards 58.7 „