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— 21 —
"This increase is all the more notable as we have been experiencing
substantial decreases in the death-rates from other diseases.
During the period of 20 years from 1901 to 1921, in which the cancer
death-rate increased by 20 per cent, the general death-rate fell by
32 per cent., that of infants fell by 45 per cent., and that for tuberculosis
by 38 per cent., while substantial declines were noted with
respect to most other causes of death.
"The latest available returns show that the death-rate from
cancer is not increasing for males up to 45 years of age and for
females up to 60. The most rapid increase is occurring in extreme
old age.
"The following table indicates the number of deaths from
cancer in Ealing for ten years compared with the total deaths.
It shows that of the total deaths during these years 849, or over
one-ninth, were due to cancer. The proportion is similar for the
rest of the country. These are significant figures, compelling
attention to the need for greater efforts being made in the interests
of prevention and cure of the disease.
T otal Deaths
Year Deaths from Cancer
1914 672 80
1915 676 61
1916 728 80
1917 679 80
1918 880 83
1919 802 100
1920 673 74
1921 721 84
1922 747 89
1923 725 118
Total 7,303 849
"Great differences in regard to the parts of the body attacked
by cancer exist between the sexes. The excess of deaths of females
over males is entirely due to the disease of the breast and generative
organs; in most other parts of the body a considerable excess is
lecorded for males.