London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Woolwich 1915
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Woolwich]
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| Seat of Primary Disease. | Aver. 1903-5 | Aver. 1906-10 | 1911 | 1912 | 1913 | 1914 | 1915 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head and face | 0.7 | 1.4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | - |
| Mouth and tongue | 1.7 | 0.6 | — | 1 | — | 2 | — |
| Pharynx, œsophagus, larynx, and neck | 1.7 | 1.4 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| Pleura, lung, mediastinum | 0.7 | 0.6 | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | — |
| Stomach and Pylorus | 5.7 | 7.6 | 7 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 14 |
| Intestines (excluding rectum) | 0.7 | 4.2 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Rectum and anus | 30 | 6.8 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 7 |
| Liver | 7.3 | 8.0 | 6 | 8 | 12 | 7 | 7 |
| Peritoneum and omentum | 0.3 | 0.4 | 1 | 1 | _ | — | — |
| Kidney and bladder | 1.2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | — | — | |
| Genital organs | 16.0 | 13.6 | 15 | 11 | 16 | 16 | 12 |
| Breasts | 9.7 | 8.6 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 18 | 19 |
| Limbs | — | 0.4 | — | — | _ | — | 1 |
| Pancreas | — | 0.2 | 1 | 1 | — | 2 | — |
| Pelvis and groin | 0.7 | — | — | — | — | 1 | — |
| Undefined | 0.7 | 1.6 | 1 | 3 | 3 | — | 5 |
| 48.9 | 57.2 | 57 | 56 | 68 | 72 | 69 |
Last year had the lowest cancer death-rate for five years,
but the reduction was mainly confined to men. As compared
with 1913, in men there was a decrease under carcinoma of
the throat and intestines; and in both men and women an
increase of cancer of the stomach.
Causes of Cancer. The special inquiry into the habits of
persons suffering and dying from cancer since 1912 was
continued. For the scope of this and the standards taken,
see previous Annual Reports.
The following table shows the sex and age distribution of the cases investigated :—
| Under 50. | 50-60. | 60-70. | Over 70. | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Males | 24 | 42 | 46 | 23 | 135 |
| Females | 11 | 28 | 24 | 14 | 77 |
| 212 |