London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
View report page
Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Shoreditch 1930
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch]
This page requires JavaScript
17
Cancer.
The deaths from Cancer in the Borough during the year numbered 133 as compared
with 146 in 1929. Particulars concerning these deaths as regards age, situation of
disease and Ward are given in the table on page 18.
The deaths from Cancer during the last five years per million persons living are riven in the following comparative table
| England and Wales. | London. | Shoreditch. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1926 | 1,362 | 1,400 | 1,201 |
| 1927 | 1,376 | 1,400 | 1,261 |
| 1928 | 1,425 | 1,520 | 1,428 |
| 1929 | 1,437 | 1,300 | 1,479 |
| 1930 | 1,454 | 1,553 | 1,346 |
Inasmuch as the cause of cancer is not known, it is impossible to take preventive
measures against this disease as is done in the case of diseases the cause of which is
clearly understood.
Although cancer cannot be prevented, it can in many instances be cured if
diagnosed early and suitably treated. Many lives are lost as a result of delay in
obtaining medical advice.
It is important that the main facts concerning cancer should be known to the
general public. In a book recently issued by the British Cancer Campaign, entitled
"The Truth about Cancer," these facts are summarised as follows :—
1. CACER IS RELENTLESS IF IGNORED.
2. In its early stages very often cancer is quite painless.
3. In early stages cancer is a purely local disease.
4. In its early stages very often cancer can be treated with complete
success.
5. It is in its earliest stages that competent medical advice must be
sought.
6. The. only Reliable measures of treatment for cancer known at
present are surgical operation and radiation.
7. For complete success treatment of cancer by operation or radiation
must be extensive and adequate.
When the Shoreditch Women's Hospital is opened it is anticipated that in many
cases it will be the means of securing earlier diagnosis and treatment of women
suffering from this disease. Propaganda of the facts concerning cancer will be much
assisted so far as women are concerned, when we are able to invite those who have any
anxiety in the matter to attend the Municipal Hospital for examination. As explained
on page 83, the Hospital will be linked with various Institutions in such a manner
as to secure that patients receive appropriate treatment without delay.
The question of providing facilities of a similar kind for men is one which is
being kept in mind and in which the experience regarding cancer gained at the
Women's Hospital will be of great value.