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To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the Metropolitan
Borough of Lewisham.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to submit herewith my Twenty-fifth
Annual Report on the Vital Statistics and Sanitary Condition
of the Borough for the year ended 31st December, 1925.
This report is prepared in accordance with the instructions
of the Ministry of Health as set out in their circular dated
10th December, 1925.
Vital Statistics.—The statistical figures are calculated upon
the estimated population of 185,600, calculated by the RegistrarGeneral,
although there is good reason to believe it is much
higher by reason of exceptional immigration. However, we
adopt this figure in order to make the statistical figures comparable
with those of other London Boroughs.
The total number of deaths occurring among residents
amounted to 1927, equivalent to a death-race of 10.3 per thousand
living at all ages—the lowest in any of the Metropolitan Boroughs,
except Hampstead, which was 10.1 per thousand.
Diseases of the Lungs caused the largest number of deaths,
the total being 303, divided as follows:— Bronchitis 161,
Pneumonia 114, Other Respiratory Diseases 28. The ages mostly
affected were children under one and adults over 45 years.
Of the 1927 deaths, 267 were due to cancer, a ratio of 1
in 7. Of this number, 247 occurred' among persons aged 45
years and over. It is possible that life might have been prolonged
in many cases had the disease been recognised in the early
stages, more particularly in cases of cancer of the breast, skin
and mouth. There is a great need of public education in this
respect. All kinds of statements appear in the lay Press as to
alleged cancer cures, although so far nothing definite has been
discovered. A considerable amount of work is being carried
on by Research workers, and recent reports lead one to hope