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115
Besides the increasing costs, the demand for X-ray film has
recently been exceeding supply. For more than 10 years routine
Mass X-rays have been using 35 mm. film. Much more recently
the "Odelea" mirror camera with its 70 mm. film has been produced
and one of these units was purchased by the Hospital Management
Committee and since September, 1952, has been used for all
routine work at Greenwich Chest Clinic.
It has been found that this film is entirely satisfactory for
detecting even the smallest abnormality in the chest. 35 mm.
films must be viewed through a projector, but the "Odelea" film
is large enough to be viewed direct. It has the added advantage
of being easily stored in the patient's notes, thus largely eliminating
much time-consuming X-ray filing.
The cost of the individual 70 mm. film is about 3d. whereas
the full sized 15" X 12" film costs about 3/-. The saving in X-ray
filing cabinets and envelopes, the greatly diminished storage space
and the time saved by the clerical staff are important economic
considerations.
As the films are in rolls of about 40, patients can be X-rayed
in rapid succession, which is particularly convenient in a busy
clinic, or when doing routine films for Maternity Clinics.
During the 6 months September 1952 to February 1953,
2,803 adults had their chests X-rayed at the Greenwich Clinic.
Of these, 2,485 were on 70 mm. film, and it was found necessary
to take the full size 15" X 12" film in only 318 cases (11%).
The fact that 89% of all adult chest X-rays were on 70 mm.
film demonstrates that besides many administrative advantages,
it has effected a remarkable economy.
Although the preceding report presents at least a satisfactory
trend in the treatment of tuberculosis, it is more than disquieting
to note the remarkable increase in the incidence of cancer of the
lung. Deaths from this disease were almost as many as those for
tuberculosis. Heavy smoking may well be a contributory factor,
but atmospheric pollution may be important.