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ined in the Borough of Bexley needs further comment. It
will be seen that, of the 16 cases of cancer of the lung detected
in the Survey (0.45 per thousand persons examined), 11
are included in the Bexley figure (0.66 per thousand examined).
The breakdown of these figures in the sub-divisions
of the area surveyed, to show the incidence in persons over
the age of 45, gives the impression that there is an unduly
high incidence in Bexley; but it must be remembered that
incidence rates in mass x-ray surveys refer only to the
population surveyed and not, necessarily, to the total population.
Therefore, while it may be taken that the figures for
Bexley are statistically significant, one should look first for
some factor or factors which may have influenced the results.
Firstly, there may have been some unconscious selection of
individuals for examination and, secondly, the broad
equality of the figures for deaths from cancer of the lung in
the three towns does not support the hypothesis of a higher
incidence for Bexley unless some future change in mortality
has been anticipated.
I should like to take this opportunity of thanking the
Council for their encouragement and assistance in
carrying out this survey and the innumerable people who
worked so hard on the organisation of the campaign. For a
fuller account of the latter reference is made to the report
issued by the Director of the South-East London Mass X-Ray
Service from the New Cross General Hospital, S.E.14.
The work of the Bexley, Erith and Crayford Home
Safety Committee continued during the year and, with the
grant now being received from the Local Health Authority,
has increased in scope. However, this is time consuming
work and must, at present, be fitted into the general work of
the Health Department. This makes a really sustained effort
a matter of some difficulty. It may be that the appointment
of a part-time Home Safety Organiser for the three areas
covered by the Committee would be one way of solving the
difficulty.
In conclusion, I wish to thank the Chairman and
Members of the Health Committee for their support and
encouragement, and the Chief Public Health Inspector,
Administrative Assistant, and all members of the Health
Department for the good work which has been done during
the year.
I am,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN LANDON,
Medical Officer of Health.
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