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32
Distribution.—The accompanying map which has been prepared in the same
way as those shown in previous reports in connection with infantile mortality and
tuberculosis, viz., by introducing a pin into a map of the Borough as nearly as
possible at the address given on the death certificate in each case, gives some idea of
the distribution of the deaths from cancer which have occurred during the past four
years.
The whole borough it will be noted is affected, and to all intents and purposes
equally. That there are more in Ward 3 means nothing more than that more people
reside there. The same remark applies in the case of the most eastern portions of
Wards 7 and 8.
The large black patch at the northern end of Ward 6 is over the Workhouse,
and may be taken to indicate the number of deaths that took place in the Poor Law
Infirmary.
Of the two other clusters in this same ward, one represents deaths occurring in
nursing homes and the other those of persons who, dying of cancer, had for their only
address a common lodging house in the district.
Practically the only conclusion that can be drawn from the distribution of cases
as indicated on the map is that cancer is no respecter of persons, a conclusion already
arrived at as a result of analysing the circumstances of the persons who died.
Alcoholism.
The number of deaths certified as directly due to this cause was 6, exactly the
same as in the previous year. The number due to cirrhosis of the liver, in most cases
probably resulting from abuse of alcohol, was, however, lower by 2, viz., 15 as
against 17.
The combined figure for these two diseases is the same as in 1911, viz., 23.
The fact that there has been a decline, a steady decline in this figure during the
last few years may be noted. The figures for 1908, 1909, 1910 and 1911 were 35,
30, 24 and 23.
The deaths from other conditions due to the irritation produced in various organs
by chronic alcoholism, e.g., nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys) and Bright's
disease of the kidneys, numbered 56 ('48 per 1,000), as against 56 in 1911.
Accident, Suicide and Manslaughter.
Accidental or violent deaths during 1912 numbered 60. Of these, 16 were due to
suicide. Deaths of babies certified as resulting from suffocation (overlying)
numbered 4.
RECORDS OF DISEASE.
The diseases of which records are kept, are, in addition to those named in
Section 55 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, as compulsorily notifiable,
certain others added by orders made by the London County Council. The first
diseases originally notifiable were smallpox, cholera, diphtheria, membranous croup,
erysipelas, scarlet fever, typhus, typhoid or enteric, relapsing, continued and puerperal
fevers.