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1925
29
Causes of Death.— On Table III the causes of death at the different
ages are given. The principal causes of death are the
following:—
Tubercular diseases 57 deaths
Cancer 79
Heart Disease 86 „
Bronchitis 63 „
Pneumonia 52 „
Congenital Debility and Prematurity 39 „
Tubercular diseases and Congenital Debility and Prematurity
are referred to in other parts of the report. The number of deaths
from Bronchitis and Pneumonia has remained fairly constant;
the most important variation results from atmospheric conditions.
A severe winter generally results in an increased fatality from respiratory
diseases.
Cancer.— Although there were 13 less deaths from Cancer in
1925 as compared with 1924, the number is, with that exception,
the highest recorded in the district. During the past 5 years 363
deaths occurred from Cancer, or 11.1 per cent of the total deaths
in the district. In the 5 years 1916-1920, the number was 315,
or 8.8 per cent. of the total deaths.
In July, 1923, the Ministry of Health issued a Memorandum
and suggested certain lines of action to combat the disease.
A conference of the different authorities within the Union was
convened by the Brentford Board of Guardians, and a Cancer
Committee was appointed. This Committee met on several occasions
to ascertain the means of diagnosis and treatment within the
several districts, and drew up a pamphlet which might be issued
by the sanitary authorities.
Two main difficulties are encountered in any attempt to reduce
the mortality and suffering from the disease.
In spite of all the work which has been done, and is being carried
out, it is generally admitted that the root cause or causes on which
the occurrence of cancer depends are unknown. But though the
actual cause is unknown, the fact that cancer is liable to follow
chronic irritation of so many different types, makes necessary the
adoption of certain common sense rules of prophylaxis.