CANCER VICTIMS INCREASING.

Southland Times, Issue 19002, 23 March 1903, Page 4

CANCER VICTIMS INCREASING.

In ten years the death-rate of London has decreased from 21 per 1000 to 1-7.1. The total number of deaths in the metropolis in 1901 was 77,663.

The medical officer for the County of London, whose report for the year 1901 was issued in January by the County Council, discloses these facts along with many others of interest bearing on the health of London's vast population.

Perhaps the most alarming feature of the report is the statement concerning the growth of cancer. TV hilo the deaths from consumption shtow a gratifying diminution, cancer makes steady headway. In 1901 this disease claimed 3982 victims, being at the rate of .93, as compared with .78 in 1891, and .42 in 1851-60.

The age at which cancer most, affects people is indicated by the fact that 398 died at the age of 35 to 4;j. 891 between 45 and 55, 1124 between 55 and 65, 928 between 6."> and 75, and 394 between 75 and 85.

The report shows that an Act for the Cleaning of Persons, which evoked much humour in Parliament under the title of the Verminous Persons Bill, has met with unexpected success in Marylebone, where 3967 males and 135 females were cleansed within the year and their clothes disinfected.

The medical officer urges the desirability of inculcating in the young the habit of bathing, and recommends the system adopted in Norway, - Germany and Penmark, whore spray baths are provided in connection with schools.