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Tuberculosis is generally recognised to be a waning
disease and it is at this stage in the natural history of a
disease that most effective measures towards its eradicaton
can be taken. The number of new cases of tuberculosis notified
during 1959 was 56 compared with 60 cases in 1958 and
50 in 1957. In view of this obvious reservoir of infection, the
Councils of Bexley, Erith and Crayford, in conjunction with
the South East London Mass Radiography Service, in the
latter part of 1959, set up the necessary machinery to carry
out a concentrated mass radiography survey in the area of
the three Authorities in the Summer of 1960. A full account
of this survey will be given in the report for 1960 but it can
be said, at the time of writing, that approximately 43,000
persons were X-rayed as part of this campaign. Added to
the fact that) many thousands of residents in this area have,
in addition, been X-rayed in nearby London, where they
work, it is safe to assume that the special measures which
have been taken may have made a significent contribution towards
a reduction of mortality from tuberculosis. This is
however only one aspect of the measures against tuberculosis.
The vaccination of older school children (thirteen years
and over), the constant search for unsuspected cases
through the tracing of contacts of known sources of infection
and, as far as the housing situation will allow, the amelioration
of living conditions of tuberculous families, have an
equally important part to play.
During 1959 there were 42 deaths from cancer of the
lung compared with 40 deaths in each of the two preceding
years. Approximately half the cases occurred in persons between
the ages of 45 and 60 years and this mortality in the
prime of life is particularly deplorable at a time when the
expectation of life in general is said to be increasing. There
are no signs that recent publicity relating to the association
between heavy cigarette smoking and this form of cancer,
which is regarded by responsible authorities as proved, has
resulted in any significant reduction of the smoking habit.
Deaths from coronary heart diseases numbered 154
(compared with 166, 138 and 144 in the three preceding
years). Here again, the majority of these deaths occurred in
the fifth and sixth decades of life, men being far more affected
than women.
During 1959, 107 hutments in the East Wickham Clearance
Areas were demolished and the occupants rehoused by
the Council.
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