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25
From the preceding table it can be seen that the age group
45 to 65 years is still the period of greatest mortality and is twice
that of the next age group viz. 65 to 75 years, a category in which
the reverse would have been a more normal pattern.
In 1946, there were 17 deaths of Gieenwich residents from
cancer of the lung, approximately one quarter of the total registered
for pulmonary tuberculosis viz. 75. During the current year, figures
of 58 and 12 respectively have been recorded, showing that lung
cancer is now claiming nearly 5 times as many victims as pulmonary
tuberculosis, a complete reversal of positions within a period of
10 years.
Nationally as well as locally, recent years have shown an exceptionally
rapid decline in the death rate of pulmonary tuberculosis
whereas that for cancer of the Jung has increased, one might almost
say, correspondingly.
Despite intensive research, causes of cancer have still to be
determined and atmospheric pollution may yet be proved to be a
potent factor in promoting lung cancer. In this respect the introduction
by the Government of a Clean Air Act is to be commended.
Consideration has been given at various times to the question
of making malignant diseases notifiable, as in present circumstances
the only information available to a Medical Officer of Health is that
obtained from the death returns ; he, therefore, gains no knowledge
of the incidence of the disease, effect of treatment, recovery rates
or possible pre-disposing factors. So far, no such scheme for notification
has yet been formulated.
Vascular Lesions of Nervous System.—This class, which
includes deaths arising from Cerebral Haemorrhage, Embolism and
Thrombosis was responsible for a total of 85 deaths. The age
distribution was as follows:—3 between 25 and 45 years; 24 between
, 45 and 65 years ; 20 between 65 and 75 years and 38 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
Diseaso.
The total deaths occasioned by such maladies amounted to 259
compared with a figure of 252 for 1955 and, as usual, the deaths
from this category occupied the principal place in the classification
of diseases in that they formed 29.6% of the total of deaths from
all causes.