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19
Deaths from Cancer
In 1968 the number of deaths from cancer was 266 males and 238
females. Deaths from lung cancer increased by 6 to a total of 152 for
the year, or a rate per 100,000 of 72.99. Sixty-seven per cent of these
deaths occurred in the age group 55.75 years. Measures to bring the
association of cigarette smoking with lung cancer to the attention of the
public continued during the year.
Death from Accidents
Motor vehicle and other accidents caused the deaths of 46 residents
during 1968. The equivalent figure for the previous year was 51. There
was a rise in the number of deaths due to motor vehicle accidents and a
fall in those due to other causes such as accidents in the home. In the
latter category the percentage of incidents involving the elderly age group
was reduced. All members of staff involved in the domiciliary services
take every opportunity of advising on house safety measures during the
course of their routine visits to the house.
Deaths from Suicide
Eighteen people committed suicide during 1968, an increase of six
compared with the figure for 1967.
Deaths from Infectious Diseases
There were six deaths from tuberculosis during 1968, with once
more a nil return in the case of whooping cough, measles and acute
poliomyelitis.