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6
DEATHS
The total number of deaths was 2,759 giving a crude rate of 10.0 per thousand population. When
the comparability factor is applied, the standardised rate is 11.2, slightly below the provisional rate for England
and Wales which was 12.1. The number of deaths from all causes is shown in Table 1. The main causes of
death and rates per thousand population are shown in Table 2. Diseases of the circulatory system (heart
disease, hypertensive disease, cerebrovascular disease, etc.) continue to be the leading cause of death with a
rate of 4.7, followed by malignant neoplasms with a rate of 2.4.
Infectious Diseases
One man and four women died of tuberculosis of the respiratory system and late effects of respiratory
tuberculosis. A woman aged 57 years died from infectious hepatitis associated with hepato-cellular failure.
There were no deaths from any other notifiable disease.
Cancer of the Lung and Bronchus
Cancer of the lung and bronchus continued to be the commonest cause of fatal malignant disease.
One hundred and forty-two men and 40 women died compared with 164 men and 43 women in 1971. On
request, the Department distributed posters and literature on the relationship between smoking and lung
cancer to schools, youth clubs and other organisations. Posters were displayed at health centres and clinics and
leaflets were available to the public. By arrangement, posters continued to be displayed in the corridors and
waiting rooms at the Central Middlesex Hospital. These were changed bi-monthly.
Bronchitis and Emphysema
One hundred and seventeen men and 52 women died from bronchitis and emphysema compared with
109 men and 43 women in 1971. The sex difference in numbers of deaths is probably related to the heavier
smoking habits of men and to their working conditions.
Abortions and Other Complications of Pregnancy
It is pleasing to report that there were no maternal deaths this year. There was only one in 1971
giving a rate of 0.20 per thousand total live and stillbirths. The provisional rate for England and Wales for
1972 was 0.15 per thousand total live and stillbirths.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Twenty-two residents died as a result of accidents involving motor vehicles (14 males, 8 females).
All Other Accidents
Twenty-seven men and 13 females died as a result of other accidents, the commonest cause being falls
at home, accidents at work, drug overdose, burns and inhalation of fire fumes and drowning. Forty-five per
cent of the deaths were among children under 5 and people over 65 years (4 children and 14 over 65 years).
Suicides
Seventeen men and 18 women committed suicide or died from self inflicted injuries.