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15
The number of cases of pneumonia notified in 1937 was 61. Further particulars
with regard to distribution of the cases, both in relation to age and residence, will
be found in Table 13 on page 18. Visits were paid to each of the notified cases
when not already in a hospital or other institution, and any assistance possible
offered in the way of removal to hospital or nursing (under the Council's arrangement
with the Paddington and St. Marylebone District Nursing Association).
Cancer or Malignant Disease.—The number of deaths due to cancer was
179 and the death-rate 1.95 per 1,000 of the population. The figures for 1936 were
195 and 2.11 per 1,000 respectively.
Information with regard to the age at which death occurred and the situation
of the disease is given in Tables 9 and 10.

Though there was a decrease in the mortality from cancer during 1937 as
against 1936 it is a commonly accepted fact that the number of deaths due to the
disease is, over a long period, showing a definite tendency to increase. No reason,
generally acceptable, to account for this has as yet been put forward, nor has any
thoery to account for the occurrence of the disease, to which the medical profession
as a whole can subscribe, been submitted. One point upon which there is general
agreement, however, is with regard to the importance, advisability and advantage
of early treatment. Of the accuracy of the advice, now so widely given that there
should never be any delay in seeking an authoritative opinion in any case of doubt
and in securing treatment, there can be no question.
Accident, Suicide and Manslaughter.—Accidental or violent deaths during
1937 numbered 68. Of these 23 were due to suicide. There was one recorded death
of a baby certified as resulting from suffocation (overlaying).