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54
CANCER.
Fifty-two deaths occurred from Cancer or Malignant
Disease. The Ward distribution of the disease was as
follows:—
North-East Ward 15
North-West Ward 11
South-East Ward 10
South-West Ward 16
It is impossible to state accurately the relative prevalence
of the disease in the different wards, unless we know the age
distribution in each ward. It is interesting to note, though,
that the mortality from the disease has been consistently
highest in the North-East Ward, and lowest in the South-East
Ward. In 1909 this peculiarity in its distribution has not
been so marked. For the last four years the average yearly
mortality has been over 1 per 1,000 in the North-East Ward.
It has been said that Cancer is more prevalent in low-lying
districts; the distribution of the disease in Acton lends no
colour to that theory. The average yearly mortality in the
South-East Ward was under 7 per 1,000 inhabitants.
Nor does the distribution of the disease correspond to the
views held as to the relation of Cancer incidence to social
status. It is held that the Cancer-rate is highest amongst men
and women where the birth-rate is lowest. As this applies to
both men and women it is a question of social status and
method of life rather than the direct relationship of multiparity
to Cancer. The birth-rate in Acton is highest in the SouthWest
Ward, the South-East, North-East and North-West,
following in the order named, the lowest birth-rate being in
the North-West.
The average Cancer death-rate for the last four years has
been :—South-East .7, North West .8, South-West .9, and
North-East 1.