View report page

HEART DISEASE, ETC.
The death rate from heart and other circulatory diseases showed a
slight decrease on last year's figure. As this group is largely composed of
deaths occurring in elderly people from what is really old age, it is hoped
that the proportion of deaths coming under this heading will remain
relatively high. The slight decrease in 1946 is probably associated with
a reduction in the average age of the population at risk in that year,
compared with recent years.
In 1946, 77 per cent. were over 65 years of age at the time of death,
while 52 per cent. were over 75 years of age.
CANCER.
The cancer death rate for the year 1946 was 1.93 which is appreciably
higher than the rate for 1945 though only slightly above the rates for
1941 and 1944.
This rate has tended to increase more or less steadily since 1920,
partly owing to better notification but in part due to a true increase
in some forms of the disease.
There was little difference in the distribution of the disease between
1946 and 1945, except that the pulmonary form of the disease, which is
tending to increase nationally, particularly in males, accounted for fewer
deaths.
With the improvements in modern technique it is very unfortunate
that more of the deaths from this disease are not prevented, particularly
when the site is one aiding early diagnosis, e.g. in the breast. If only
residents would report without delay any suspicious sign or symptom
many more cases could be treated successfully, while others would be
relieved of unnecessary anxiety. The points requiring attention are:—
(1) the enlargement of any wart or other similar chronic skin defect;
(2) the occurrence of any abnormal haemorrhage from any of the
body orifices;
(3) any lump persisting for more than a very short while, especially
in a woman's breast;
(4) persistent pain or swelling;
(5) ulcers in the mouth or on the gums which do not quickly heal.
12