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Top 10 Causes of Death in Men

Men have shorter life expectancies than women. While we will all die eventually, there are things we can

do to live longer and healthier lives, which improves the overall quality of our lives and our families lives.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2003 just over one million

American men died of heart disease or one of the nine other leading causes of death. That represents 80

percent of all deaths by men that year. Men are more likely than women to die from most of these

causes. Luckily, because many of these causes can be prevented, men can take steps to avoid them by

knowing the symptoms, by having regular checkups by a doctor or health care provider and by taking

steps to live a healthier life.

Number 1 Heart Disease

Heart disease is a term that includes many specic heart conditions. According to the U.S. Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to heart attacks,

is the most common heart disease in the United States. Other heart conditions include chest pain

known as angina, heart failure and irregular heart beats known as arrhythmias.

About Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

CAD develops when arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed

from plaque buildup. Because buildup reduces blood ow, and therefore oxygen, to the heart it can lead

to a heart attack.

Statistics

Because men usually develop heart disease 10 to 15 years earlier than women, men are more likely

to die of it in the prime of life. (American Heart Association)

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women.

Nearly 700,000 people die of heart disease annually the equivalent of 29 percent of all deaths in

the United States. (CDC)

About a quarter of all heart-disease-related deaths occur in men ages 35 to 65. (CDC)

In 2004, heart disease was the cause of death for 410,628 males. (American Heart Association)

Symptoms of Heart Attack

Top 10 Causes of Death in Men | IDPH http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/life-stage

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According to the National Heart Attack Alert Program, major symptoms of a heart attack include:

Chest discomfort: This discomfort is usually in the center of the chest and can last for a few

minutes or come in waves. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Upper Body Discomfort:This can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck,

jaw or stomach.Shortness of Breath: This may occur before or in conjunction with chest discomfort.

Other:Some people may break out in a cold sweat, feel nauseated or lightheaded.

Prevention

Several health conditions can lead to heart attacks. These conditions include high cholesterol, high

blood pressure and diabetes. Here are some things that you can do to lower your risk of a heart attack.

Treat high blood cholesterol by eating a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in ber,

keep a healthy weight, and get regular exercise. If in spite of your best efforts, your cholesterol

remains high, discuss with your doctor medications that may help.

Control high blood pressure with a healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking and maintaining a

healthy weight. If after doing all these things, you still have high blood pressure, discuss options

with your doctor regarding medications.

If you have diabetes, be sure to keep your blood sugar levels under control. People with diabetes

have a heightened risk of heart disease.

Quit smoking and drink in moderation. Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are linked

to high blood pressure, some heart disease and stroke.

Number 2 Cancer

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the leading causes of cancer

death in men are lung cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer.

Statistics

In 2003, nearly 288,000 men died of cancer in the U.S., the second-leading cause of death for both

sexes. (CDC)

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death for both men and women. (CDC)

Ninety percent of lung cancer is caused by cigarette smoking. (CDC)

In 2003, 89,964 men died of lung cancer. (CDC)

Symptoms


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Lung Cancer

Nearly a quarter of people with lung cancer do not have symptoms from advanced cancer when their

lung cancer is found. While symptoms may vary, the CDC lists the following as common symptoms:

Shortness of breath

Persistent coughingWheezing

Coughing up blood

Chest pain

Fever

Weight loss

Prevention

While there are some people who never smoke and who get lung cancer, the vast majority of those who

get lung cancer smoke.

One of the BEST things you can do for your health is to quit smoking. See Smoke-free Illinois under

RESOURCES in the right-hand column.

Prostate Cancer

The Prostate Cancer Foundation lists the following symptoms:

A need to urinate frequently, especially at night.Difculty starting urination or holding back urine.

Weak or interrupted ow of urine.

Painful or burning urination.

Difculty in having an erection.

Painful ejaculation.

Blood in urine or semen.

Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.

Prevention

While preventing prostate cancer may not be possible, early detection does save lives. Discuss with

your doctor whether you should have a prostate cancer screen and look for the symptoms above.

Colorectal Cancer

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many people with colon cancer have


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no symptoms in the early stages. Signs and symptoms include:

A change in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your

stool for more than a couple of weeks.

Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool.

Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain.Abdominal pain with a bowel movement.

A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely.

Weakness or fatigue.

Unexplained weight loss.

Prevention

While colon cancer cannot be prevented, early detection saves lives. Start prevention health screenings

at age 50 or earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer or have other risk factors.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer occurs more commonly in younger men (age 20 to54). According to the American

Cancer Society, common signs of testicular cancer include:

Lumps (masses)

Swelling

Pain

Overall Cancer Prevention

Have regular preventive health screenings.

Quit smoking and avoid second hand smoke and other tobacco products.

Eat a healthy, varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.

Limit your exposure to sun and use sunscreen.

Drink alcohol only in moderation.

Be aware of potential cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) in your home and workplace, and

take steps to reduce your exposure to these substances.

Know and review your familys medical history.

Number 3 Unintentional Injuries

Unintentional injuries are simply accidents. Though a leading cause of death for men and Americans


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of all ages many unintentional injuries can be easily prevented. Injuries in this category include, for

example, injuries due to falls, re and impaired driving.

Statistics

In 2002, unintentional injuries were the leading cause of death for people ages 1 to 44 years andthe fth leading cause of death overall. (CDC)

More than 106,000 people died in 2002 from unintentional injuries.(CDC)

Men are more likely to die from a fall. After adjusting for age, the fall fatality rate in 2004 was 49

percent higher for men than for women (CDC).

Residential res accounted for 76 percent of re-related injuries and 79 percent of re-related

deaths in 2002. In this year alone, more than 401,000 home res in the United States claimed the

lives of 2,670 people and injured another 14,050. (CDC)

In 2003, 17,013 people died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes, representing 40 percent of

the years total trafc deaths. (CDC)

Male drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes are almost twice as likely as female drivers to

be intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or greater (NHTSA 2006).

It is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher in all 50 states, the District of Columbia

and Puerto Rico.

Driving while distracted or tired increases your likelihood of being involved in an accident. Using a

cell phone, blackberry or other electronic device can be hazardous while driving and should be

avoided.

Prevention

Falls

The CDC recommends the following preventative steps for older adults:

Exercise regularly. Exercise programs like Tai Chi that increase strength and improve balance are

especially good.

Drink only in moderation.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines both prescription and over-the counter

to reduce side effects and interactions.

Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year.

Improve the lighting in your home.

Reduce hazards in your home that can lead to falls.


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Fires

The CDC identies a few main risk factors for unintentional injury due to re.

Install Smoke Alarms: Approximately half of home re deaths occur in homes without smoke

alarms.

Double Check Safety of Heating Units: Most residential res occur during the winter months.Drink in Moderation: Alcohol use contributes to an estimated 40 percent of residential re deaths.

Number 4 Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood ow to an area of the brain is interrupted by either a blood clot blocking an

artery or a blood vessel breaking. Under these conditions, brain cells begin to die and brain damage

occurs. Brain damage from a stroke can lead to a loss of abilities, including speech, movement and

memory.

Statistics

In 2004, more than 58,000 men died of stroke (American Heart Association).

About 700,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke in the United States each year and more

than 150,000 of these people die (American Heart Association).

About 5.7 million U.S. stroke survivors are alive today, many with permanent stroke-related

disabilities (American Heart Association).

Symptoms

The National Stroke Association lists the following as common symptoms of stroke:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body.

Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Try this easy-to-remember test and Act F.A.S.T if you think someone you know is having a stroke:

F FACE Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A ARM Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?


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SSPEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the speech sound

slurred or strange?

TTIME If you observe any of these signs, its time to call 9-1-1 or get to the

nearest stroke center or hospital.

Prevention

According to the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, leading risks factors for

stroke include:

High blood pressure

Tobacco use

Diabetes

Carotid or other artery disease

Atrial brillation or other heart disease

History of mini-strokes known as TIAs

High red blood cell count

Sickle cell anemia

High cholesterol

Physical inactivity

Obesity

Excessive alcohol intake

Some illegal drugs

Number 5 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Lung Diseases)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term physicians use to refer to two lung diseases

chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The diseases frequently exist together and both are conditions that

cause a blockage of airow that interferes with normal breathing.

Statistics

In 2003, 60,714 men died of COPD. (American Lung Association)

Between 80 percent and 90 percent of COPD deaths are caused by smoking. Men who smoke are

nearly 12 times as likely to die from COPD as men who have never smoked. (U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services)

Symptoms


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Chronic Bronchitis:Chronic cough, increased mucus, frequent clearing of the throat and shortness

of breath.

Emphysema:Shortness of breath and a reduced capacity for physical activity both of which

worsen over time.

Prevention

Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Take preventative steps by not smoking and avoiding

secondhand smoke.

Minimize exposure to workplace chemicals. According to a study in the American Journal of

Epidemiology, occupational exposure to certain industrial pollutants also may increase the chance

of developing COPD.

Number 6 Diabetes

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, diabetes can refer either to a deciency of

insulin or to the bodys decreased ability to use insulin. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas

that allows glucose (sugar) to enter cells and be converted into energy. The bodys ability to synthesize

protein and to store fats also depends on normal levels of insulin. If diabetes is left untreated, glucose

and fats remain in the bloodstream and, over time, damage the bodys vital organs and contribute to

heart disease.

There are two main types of diabetes -- non-insulin dependent (type-2) and insulin dependent (type-1).

Non-insulin dependent diabetes, which usually appears after the age of 40, is the most common type,affecting 90 percent to 95 percent of those who have the disease. Insulin-dependent diabetes, or

type-1 diabetes, affects the remaining proportion of those with the disease. Although this type of

diabetes can occur at any age, it most often appears in childhood or during the teen years. Over a third

of people with diabetes do not know they have the disease. This is why diabetes is sometimes referred

to as the silent killer.

Statistics

As of 2005, 10.9 million or 11 percent of all men aged 20 years or older in the United States had

diabetes (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Adults with diabetes have heart disease death rates about 2 to 4 times higher than adults without

diabetes. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Heart disease and stroke account for about 65 percent of deaths in people with diabetes. (U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services)


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Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults 20 to 74 years of age. (U.S.


Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, accounting for 44 percent of new cases in 2002. In

2002, 44,400 people with diabetes began treatment for end-stage kidney disease in the United

States and Puerto Rico. The risk for stroke is 2 to 4 times higher among people with diabetes. (U.S.


Symptoms

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its

symptoms seem harmless. Recent studies indicate early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment

can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.

Symptoms include:

Frequent urination

Excessive thirst

Extreme hunger

Unusual weight loss

Increased fatigue

Irritability

Blurry vision

PreventionYour risk for type-2 diabetes and heart disease depend on factors that can be managed (modiable risk

factors) and others that are genetic (non-modiable risk factors). Understanding and managing your

risk factors can help you avoid diabetes and heart disease and live a longer, better life.

Modiable Risk Factors

Overweight and obesity

High blood glucose

High blood pressure

Unhealthy cholesterol levels

Physical inactivity

Smoking

Non-modiable Risk Factors


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Age

Race

Gender

Family history

Number 7 Inuenza and PneumoniaInuenza

According to the CDC, inuenza (the u) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by u viruses. The u

can cause varying degrees of illness from mild to fatal. The u is spread from person-to-person in

respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. Some people, such as older adults, pregnant women,

children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious u complications

including death.

Prevention

The best way to prevent the u is by getting a u vaccination each year. Hand-washing and avoiding

others with the u also may help.

Pneumonia

The Mayo Clinic reports that pneumonia is an inammation of the lungs usually caused by infection with

bacteria, viruses, fungi or other organisms. Pneumonia is a particular concern for older adults and

people with chronic illnesses or impaired immune systems, but it can also strike young, healthy people.

There are many kinds of pneumonia ranging in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. Pneumonia

acquired while in the hospital can be particularly virulent and deadly. Although antibiotics can treatsome of the most common forms of bacterial pneumonias, antibiotic-resistant strains are a growing

problem. For that reason, and because the disease can be very serious, it's best to try to prevent

infection in the rst place.

Statistics

Every year in the United States, on average 5 percent to 20 percent of the population gets the

u,more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from u complications, and about 36,000 people die

from u. (CDC)

Every year, more than 60,000 Americans die of pneumonia. (Mayo Clinic)

Worldwide, pneumonia is a leading cause of death in children. (Mayo Clinic)

Symptoms

The CDC states the u usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:


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Fever (usually high)

Headache

Extreme tiredness

Dry cough

Sore throat

Runny or stuffy noseMuscle aches

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea also can occur, but are more common in children than adults

According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of pneumonia may vary with many cases of

pneumonia developing suddenly. Symptoms may include:

Chest pain

Fever

Chills

Cough

Shortness of breath

Infection often follows a cold or the u, but it can also be associated with other illnesses or occur on its own.

Prevention:

Pneumonia is slightly more complicated compared to u because you usually don't "catch" pneumonia

from someone else. Instead, you develop the disease because your immune system is temporarilyweakened, often for no known reason. The following suggestions from the Mayo Clinic can help prevent

pneumonia:

Get vaccinated. Because pneumonia can be a complication of the u, getting a yearly u shot is a

good way to prevent viral inuenza pneumonia, which can lead to bacterial pneumonia. In addition,

get a vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia at least once after age 55 and, if you have any

risk factors, every ve years thereafter.

Wash your hands.Your hands are in almost constant contact with germs that can cause pneumonia.

These germs enter your body when you touch your eyes or rub the inside of your nose. Washing

your hands thoroughly and often can help reduce your risk. When washing isn't possible, use an

alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which can be more effective than soap and water in destroying the

bacteria and viruses that cause disease. What's more, most hand sanitizers contain ingredients that

keep your skin moist. Carry one in your purse or in your pocket.

Don't smoke.Smoking damages your lungs' natural defenses against respiratory infections.


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Take care of yourself.Proper rest and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with

moderate exercise, can help keep your immune system strong.

Protect others from infection.If you have pneumonia, try to stay away from anyone with a

compromised immune system. When that isn't possible, you can help protect others by wearing a

face mask or always coughing into a tissue.

Number 8 - Suicide

According to the Mayo Clinic, men are more likely than women to commit suicide because they are

more likely to use deadlier means, such as rearms. Depression is one of the most important risk factors

in suicide. Unfortunately, male depression is under-diagnosed because men are less likely to seek help

and because men dont always develop standard symptoms, such as sadness, but instead are more likely

to experience fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances, and a loss of interest in work and hobbies. (Mayo

Clinic)

About Depression

According to the Mens Health Network, depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. In some

cases, it can be caused by a decit of the chemicals in the body that are responsible for maintaining

energy. Having a family member with depression also increases your risk and major life crises may make

it worse. Fortunately, in most cases, depression is treatable. If you are depressed, be sure to see a

doctor right away. Waiting will only make it worse for you and those loved ones around you. (Mens

Health Network)

StatisticsAccording to the CDC:

In 2004, more than 32,000 suicides occurred in the U.S. This is the equivalent of 89 suicides per

day; one suicide every 16 minutes or 11 suicides per 100,000 people.

Males take their own lives at nearly four times the rate of females and represent 79 percent of all

U.S. suicides.

Suicide rates for males are highest among those aged 75 and older (rate 36 per 100,000).

Firearms are involved in 57 percent of suicides among males, making it the most commonly used

method for men.

The number of deaths from suicide reects only a small portion of the impact of suicidal behavior.

In 2002, more than 90,000 people were hospitalized following suicide attempts.

Symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic, people at risk of suicide may:


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Be depressed, moody, socially withdrawn or aggressive

Have suffered a recent life crisis

Show changes in personality

Feel worthless

Abuse alcohol or drugs

Have frequent thoughts about deathTalk about death and self-destruction

Prevention

Dont expect to overcome depression by yourself. It is a disease, not something that you will just get

over. If you are depressed, talk to your doctor. In an urgent situation, go to an emergency room or crisis

center for help. Also, take advice from friends and family members if they are encouraging you to seek

help. They are often the rst ones to notice. (Mayo Clinic)

Also, work to improve your emotional health and well-being. When stress doesnt go away, it begins to

weaken your immune system and increase your risk of developing a number of physical and mental

conditions. The Mens Health Network recommends some lifestyle changes to help you cope:

Take Care of Yourself Exercise, eat well and get plenty of sleep.

Meditate It has been shown to lower blood pressure and relieve tension.

Talk to Someone Else It creates a support network.

Prioritize Save the least important things for later.

Know Your Limits Sometimes it isnt bad to just walk away.Dont Self-Mediate Dont turn to alcohol, tobacco or drugs.

Number 9 Kidney Disease

According to the CDC, kidney disease occurs when the kidneys become damaged and lose their ability

to lter the blood. Kidney disease most often happens slowly and may go undetected until the kidneys

have almost failed.The two most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood

pressure. It can also be hereditary. People with these risk factors should get tested for kidney disease

on an annual basis. African Americans, American Indians, Asian and Pacic Islanders, and Hispanics are

particularly vulnerable.

According to the National Kidney Disease Education Program, if your kidneys stop working completely,

your body lls with extra water and waste products.This often leads to seizures or a coma and will

ultimately result in death. If your kidneys stop working completely, you will need to undergo dialysis or


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kidney transplantation.

Statistics

According to the CDC:

More than eight million Americans have a major loss in kidney function.Nearly 400,000 of those Americans require dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive.

The number of kidney failure patients is expected to more than double to 650,000 by 2010 because

of the growing number of people with undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes.

The demand for kidney transplants far outweighs the supply. In 2000, about 100,000 people

developed kidney failure, but only about 14,000 transplants were done.

Symptoms

Because kidney disease progresses slowly and may be hard to detect, it is very important to know the

symptoms. While kidney disease cannot be cured, your doctors can take steps to help your kidneys last

longer if the disease is caught in the early stages.

According to Life Options, symptoms to look for include:

Changes in urination

Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, face and/or hands

Fatigue

Skin rash or sever itching

Metallic taste in mouth or bad breath

Nausea and vomiting

Shortness of breath

Feeling cold all of the time, even in a warm room

Dizziness and trouble concentrating

Pain in the leg, back or side

The CDC notes that many people do not know they have kidney disease because there may be no

symptoms until the kidneys have nearly failed. The only way to nd out if you have kidney disease is to

have a urine or blood test.

Prevention

The Mayo Clinic suggests these preventative measures:


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Drink plenty of uids

Exercise regularly

Maintain your proper weight

Dont smoke

Get checked regularly for diabetes and high blood pressure

Limit your use of over-the-counter pain relieversTake all medications only as directed

Additionally, according to the CDC, people with diabetes can prevent or slow kidney disease through

blood pressure and blood glucose control. People with kidney disease also must maintain low protein

and low salt diets, take daily medication and follow-up with their health care providers.

Number 10 Alzheimers Disease

Alzheimers disease is an incurable, progressive degenerative disease of the brain. It is the most

common form of dementia. It is not just memory loss, but also a decline in the ability to think and

understand. Consequent changes in personality are accompanied by an inability to function. The type,

severity, sequence and progression of the mental changes vary widely among individuals. Because age is

the most important known risk factor for Alzheimers disease, the longer people live, the more likely

they are to develop the disease.

Statistics

About 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimers disease and an estimated 222,300 of them live inIllinois.

About one in 10 persons 65 years of age and older and almost half of those 85 years of age and

older will develop Alzheimers disease.

More than 70 percent of those suffering from Alzheimers disease live at home, where the majority

of their care (75 percent) is provided by family and friends.

Unless a cure or prevention is found, an estimated 14 million Americans will be stricken with

Alzheimers disease by 2050.

A person with Alzheimers disease lives an average of eight years and as many as 20 years or more

from the onset of symptoms.

The most common cause of death for persons with Alzheimers disease is infection.

Symptoms

An early diagnosis of Alzheimers disease can increase the chance of potential benets from approved

medications. It also allows that person to participate in health care, nancial and legal decisions.


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Symptoms/warning signs of Alzheimers disease may include the following:

Memory loss or unexplained confusion that interferes with daily activities

Difculty in performing familiar tasks and chores

Problems speaking, understanding, reading or writing

Forgetting words or substituting inappropriate wordsDisorientation to time and place (e.g., getting lost in familiar surroundings)

Poor or decreased judgment (e.g., wearing a winter coat on a hot summer day)

Problems with abstract thinking (e.g., difculty balancing a checkbook)

Misplacing things in inappropriate places (e.g., putting the iron in the freezer)

Changes in mood or behavior (e.g., rapid mood swings for no apparent reason or cursing)

Drastic changes in personality (e.g., suspiciousness)

Lack of interest and involvement in usual activities

If several of these symptoms/warning signs are present, the person should be evaluated by a physician.

Frequently, the early symptoms of Alzheimers disease, which include forgetfulness and loss of

concentration, are mistakenly dismissed as normal signs of aging.

Additionally, it is important to determine the actual cause of the cognitive symptoms, as they may not be

caused by Alzheimers disease and many causes, such as depression, drug interaction, thyroid problems

and vitamin deciencies, are reversible if detected early and treated appropriately.

PreventionAccording to the Mayo Clinic, there is no proven way to prevent the onset of Alzheimers disease.

However, they suggest improving your cardiovascular function may help. Suggested steps are:

Losing weight if you are overweight

Exercising regularly

Controlling your blood pressure

Keeping your cholesterol levels in normal range

The CDC also notes that there is some research indicating that doing intellectually challenging activities

may help delay the onset of dementia. While there is some controversy about this research, maintaining

your mental tness cant hurt.


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Protecting health, improving lives.

2015 Illinois Department of Public Health. Privacy


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