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The previous table gives the age, sex and distribution of this
disease in the fatal cases among ordinary residents which occurred
in 1954, the mental hospital cases being added in brackets. Compared
with recent years, the number of deaths from breast cancer
in females was again below the average, but a further slight
increase in the number of lung cases among males is noted. On the
average, since the war 24 per cent of male deaths from cancer
originated in the lungs, but in the last 2 years this percentage
increased to 30 per cent and in 1954 it was 37 per cent. Research
into the cause of the increase in this form of cancer is proceeding.
While other carcinogenic factors may be involved the association
with heavy cigarette smoking is very suspect and pending further
evidence personal restrictive measures are justified. As previously
stated, the younger generation would be wise to consider the
unnecessary risk before they become addicted to what is, at the
least, a foolish and uneconomic habit and one which most probably
contributes to other forms of illhealth.
VIOLENCE.
Excluding 15 deaths among mental hospital inmates (previously
transferable), mostly due to falls, there was a marked increase
in deaths from violence (including suicide) compared with 1953,
the death rate being 0.43 per thousand of population whereas it
was 0.26 last year and averaged 0.39 both for the inter-war years
and for the years since the war.
Deaths on the road increased by two, six deaths being attributed
to this cause, including two elderly mental hospital patients
who were struck by motor cars. All four ordinary residents were
young; three were pedestrians and one a motor cyclist.
There was a variety of causes for the remaining 15 accidental
deaths in the District, the most common being falls and gas poisoning
in the elderly.
The number of deaths attributed to suicide was again 11, but
2 of these were mental hospital patients. The nett figure is above
the annual average of 6.5 since the war.
TUBERCULOSIS AND PNEUMONIA.
Deaths from tuberculosis and pneumonia are referred to in
later sections of this report.
MATERNAL MORTALITY.
Unfortunately, as in 1953, there was one maternal death, with
a resultant maternal mortality rate of 1.17 per 1,000 live and stillbirths
compared with that of 0.69 for England and Wales.
Death in this case resulted from post partum haemorrhage as
a sequel to other abnormalities in a seventh pregnancy.
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