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26
The age group 45 to 65 years still proves to be the period of
greatest mortality and it is relevant to point out that the proportion
of female to male deaths from this cause is rising in the Borough.
In 1946 the ratio was 1 female death for every 16 males ; the corresponding
figures for the current year are 1 female for every 4 males.
Once again I must reiterate that many misconceptions regarding
Cancer exist in the minds of the public, e.g., that Cancer is an
hereditary disease ; that it is infectious or contagious ; or that
chronic irritation or inflammation causes Cancer. Not one of these
assumptions has been proved scientifically. Moreover, it is
becoming more evident that under certain conditions Cancer is a
curable disease but at the moment the most important factor is
time. Unfortunately, many cases are beyond cure before advice
is taken. At the risk of producing a few hypochondriacs it is
obvious that greater efforts must be made to educate the public
because the latest available information supports the fact that
delay in seeking medical advice is becoming more prolonged.
Vascular Lesions of Nervous System.—This class, which
includes deaths arising from Cerebral Haemorrhage, Embolism and
Thrombosis, was responsible for a total of 86 deaths. The age
distribution was as follows:—1 between 15 and 25years; 15 between
45 and 65 years ; 26 between 65 and 75 years and 44 from 75 years
upwards.
Heart Disease.—Under the new classifications this disease has
been divided into three sub-headings: (a) Coronary Disease,
Angina, (b) Hypertension with Heart Disease, and (c) Other Heart
Disease.
The total deaths occasioned by these amounted to 246 compared
with a figure of 287 for 1952 and, as usual, the deaths from this
class occupied the principal place in the classification of diseases
Diseases of the Respiratory System.—There were
altogether 123 deaths from these diseases, Bronchitis accounting
for 82 and Pneumonia (all forms) for 33.
Of the total deaths, 7 were of children under one year of age
and 84 were in respect of persons 65 years and over.
Influenza.—Fifteen deaths were attributed to this cause
during the year, thus showing an increase of 14 from that of the
previous year.
Thirteen of these deaths occurred in people over the age of 65
years.