London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Marylebone 1926
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for St. Marylebone, Metropolitan Borough]
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34
RESPIRATORY DISEASES.
The number of deaths due to bronchitis, pneumonia, and other diseases of the
organs of respiration was 306. This is lower by 14 than the figure (320) for 1023.
The death rate was 2.6 per 1,000. In 1925 the rate was 2.8,
The number of deaths certified to be due to bronchitis was 160, as against 168
in 1925. Of this number 107 were amongst persons aged 65 and upwards, and 42
amongst those of the age group 45—65.
The deaths attributed to pneumonia numbered 135, and as in the case of
bronchitis the later-age groups contributed the greatest numbers, though 2."> of the
deaths occurred amongst children under 2 years of age.
The number of cases of pneumonia notified was 86. Of the patients 13 were
aged 1—5, the other age periods contributing smaller numbers. Further particulars
with regard to distribution of the cases, both in relation to age and
residence will be found in the table on page 67.
CANCER OR MALIGNANT DISEASE.
The number of deaths due to cancer was 170, and the death rate 1.49 per
1,000 of the population. In 1925 the figures were lower, the total being 161 and
the death rate 1.41 per 1,000 of the population.
Information with regard to the age at which death occurred and situation of
the disease, is given in the following tables :—
Cancer : Ages at Death.
| Ages | Under 10 | 10 and under 20 | 20 and under 30 | 30and under 40 | 40and under50 | 50and under60 | 60and under | 70 and upward? | Totals- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Males | _ | _ | _ | 2 | 12 | 17 | 21 | 26 | 78 |
| Females | - | 1 | 2 | 4 | 14 | 16 | 27 | 28 | 92 |
| Totals | — | 1 | 2 | 6 | 26 | 33 | 48 | 54 | 170 |
Cancer.—Situation of the Disease.
| Parts of the body affected. | Males, | Females. | Totals. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face, Tongue, Jaw | 5 | - | 5 |
| Throat, Neck, Gullet | 13 | 6 | 19 |
| Stomach | 12 | 12 | 24 |
| Intestines | 26 | 13 | 39 |
| Liver | 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Breast | — | 19 | 19 |
| Uterus and Generative Organs | — | 23 | 23 |
| Various | 20 | 14 | 34 |
| Totals | 78 | 92 | 170 |
The fact that the number of deaths certified as due to cancer is showing a
definite tendency to increase is common knowledge, and has been referred to more
than once in these reports. No reason, generally acceptable, to account for this
has as yet been put forward, nor has any theory to account for the occurrence of
the disease, to which the medical profession as a whole can subscribe, been
submitted.