CANCER LEADS IN CAUSES OF DEATH IN NEW ZEALAND

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 76, 31 July 1950, Page 3

CANCER LEADS IN CAUSES OF DEATH IN NEW ZEALAND

Cancer occupies 'a leading position among the causes of death in New Zealand, being second only to diseases of the heart, acording to an article in Health, the official bulletin of the Health Department, Figures are given showing that the proportion of cancer deaths to the total has increased by 3.9 per cent between 1934 and 1948.

In 1924, deaths throughout" the Dominion totalled 10,767. Of these, 1245 were due to cancer. In 1948, the total was 15,812. Cancer was responsible for 2453 of these. The article states that the figures are not a true index of the actual increase in cancer, but are quoted merely to show- the significance that it has assumed in the overall death picture in New Zealand. It is also stated that at present persons over the age of 55 years acount for 80 per cent of the total deaths from cancer, and that one death in every six of persons who die after 55 is from cancer. The high standard of health and medical services in New Zealand has been effective in saving lives formerly lost in the years of infancy and adolescence. A shift in the death rates between 1924-28 and 1944-48 from the 65-75 age-firoup, to the 75 and over group, is also noted. “It is reasonable to assume that herein lies the story of advances made in recent years in the early diagnosis, treatment and cure of cancer,” the article stdtes. “When cure has not taken place, prolongation of life has occurred, with the resultant raising of the age at which death from cancer ensues.”