andDr. O'Connell asked the Minister for Health the total number of deaths from (1) lung cancer, (2) chronic bronchitis and (3) coronary heart disease in the years 1950 to 1960 and in the most recent year for which figures are available.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Mortality Statistics.
11.
Dr. Browne, Mr. M. O'Leary
As the reply is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose, a Cheann Comhairle, with your permission, to circulate it with the Official Report. I should draw the attention of the Deputies to the fact that in the earlier years, certification of cause of death was much less precise and accurate than it now is. For example, in 1950 approximately 12.5 per cent (4,734) of recorded deaths from all causes were certified to be due to senility, an imprecise and inaccurate description. In 1968, the percentage was 3.3 per cent (701 deaths). Thus in the earlier years the number of deaths from the three causes mentioned in the question is probably understated, in some cases seriously understated. I accept, of course, that there has been a marked increase in the number of deaths from lung cancer and coronary heart disease and some increase from chronic bronchitis over the period.
I might add that I am satisfied that certification of cause of death is still not as precise as it should be and special measures have been taken, particularly in recent years, to improve the level of certification.
Following is the statement:—
|
Year |
Lung Cancer |
Chronic Bronchitis |
Coronary Heart Disease |
|
1950 |
298 |
404 |
1,721 |
|
1951 |
367 |
661 |
2,123 |
|
1952 |
434 |
476 |
2,344 |
|
1953 |
460 |
508 |
2,484 |
|
1954 |
505 |
580 |
2,796 |
|
1955 |
524 |
641 |
3,062 |
|
1956 |
542 |
549 |
3,014 |
|
1957 |
606 |
671 |
3,243 |
|
1958 |
564 |
655 |
3,571 |
|
1959 |
601 |
730 |
3,750 |
|
1960 |
648 |
728 |
3,914 |
|
1968 |
971 |
1,451 |
5,928 |