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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 1955, the mental hospital cases being added in brackets. Compared
with recent years, the number of deaths from breast cancer
in females was the average for the last 10 years, but the number
of lung cases among males was relatively high. On the average,
since the war 24 per cent of male deaths from cancer originated
in the lungs, but in the last 3 years this percentage has
increased to 30 per cent or more. 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 cirgarette
smoking is very suspect and pending further evidence personal
restrictive measures are well 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 11 deaths among mental hospital inmates (previous
ly transferable), 8 of which were due to falls in the elderly, the
number of deaths from violence (including suicide) was about the
average, the death rate being 0.38 per thousand of population
compared with 0.43 last year and an average of 0.39 both for the
inter-war years and for the years since the war.
Deaths on the road again increased by two, eight deaths being
attributed to this cause which is the highest since the 8 road deaths
in 1939. Four were pedestrians, three elderly, knocked down by
a motor car, a lorry or, in two cases by a motor cyclist. One
only was a car driver in collision with another car, two were on
motor cycles, one being a pillion rider, and the last was riding a
motor assisted pedal cycle. All but one were ordinary residents.
There was a variety of causes for the remaining 11 accidental
deaths in the District, the most common being falls in the elderly.
Attention is now being focussed on the prevention of such accidents
by the Home Safety Council.
The number of deaths attributed to suicide decreased from
11 to 7, and 3 of the latter were mental hospital patients. The
nett figure was thus below 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.
After one maternal death having occurred in each of the last
two years, it is very pleasing to be able to report a clear year.
The maternal mortality rate for England and Wales was 0.64 per
1,000 live and still births which is the lowest to date.
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