London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Greenwich 1937

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Greenwich Borough]

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29
In reviewing the work of this Clinic, one must admit that the
results are disappointing to say the least. During the year, 157
persons died of cancer and yet as stated, not one case of malignant
disease found its way to the Clinic. One is forced therefore to the
conclusion that the Diagnostic Clinic in its present form, makes
practically no contribution to the problem of cancer. The reason
for this, is I think, obvious. In its early stages, malignant disease
rarely presents an obvious "tumour" and if patients postpone their
visits until this stage is reached, then many lives will continue to
be lost.
The early diagnosis of malignant disease requires the cooperation
of the individual from the time when he first begins to
notice any departure from normal health, and calls for the utmost
skill of experts assisted by every modern device known to medical
science.

MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE. Infant Welfare Centres.—The work at the various Centres has been conducted on similar lines as in previous years and particulars relating to attendances are shewn in the following tables :— (a) Babies

Borough HallChev'ng RoadShooter's Hill Rd.Creek RoadCharlton LaneTotal
No. of Clinics3519110393103525
No. of Attendances9525,4284,5473,0272,81916,773
New Cases43281284126168902
Medical Consultations3931,8711,6321.1411,2986,335

All babies are woighed and advice given to the mothers at every
attendance.

(b) Children 1-5 years.

* Borough HallChev'ng RoadShooter's Hill Rd.Creek RoadCharlton LaneTotal
No. of Clinics3519110393103525
No. of Attendances1,0636,7223,3782,7642,40016,327
New Cases4524014321779724
Medical Consulta-tions4312,2151,2241,0609475,877

* This Centre was closed in March.