U.S.: Heart Disease and Cancer Mortality Rates, by year
YearDiseases of the heart,
per 100,000
Malignant neoplasms,
per 100,000
20191,020.9833.5
20181,034.6849.2
20171,046.6869.0
20161,048.3884.8
20151,072.9900.9
20141,062.1915.0
20131,085.0927.3
20121,091.0946.1
20111,115.6962.4
20101,155.5986.8
20091,180.2988.0
20081,246.11,008.0
20071,274.71,024.2
20061,339.81,035.6
20051,421.81,052.9
20041,455.81,060.7
20031,556.91,080.0
20021,616.11,098.1
20011,651.61,105.2
20001,706.61,123.6
  • Region: United States
  • Time period: 2000 to 2019
  • Published: Dec 2023

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Apr 13, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Decline in Heart Disease Death Rates

Diseases of the heart death rates per 100,000 experienced a significant decrease from 1706.6 in 2000 to 1020.9 in 2019, showing an overall reduction of approximately 40% over 19 years.

Trend in Cancer Death Rates

Malignant neoplasms death rates per 100,000 saw a less pronounced decrease, from 1123.6 in 2000 to 833.5 in 2019, representing a decline of about 26%.

Comparative Rate of Decline

The rate of decline in death rates for diseases of the heart outpaced that of malignant neoplasms between 2000 and 2019, with heart disease rates dropping by 40% compared to cancer's 26%.

Yearly Variation in Death Rates

Year-to-year changes in death rates for both conditions show variability, but with a general downward trend. The largest single-year decrease in heart disease rates occurred between 2003 and 2004, with a decline of 101.1 per 100,000, while for cancer, the largest single-year drop was between 2008 and 2009, reducing by 20 per 100,000.

Recent Trends

In the most recent years, 2018 to 2019, heart disease death rates per 100,000 decreased from 1034.6 to 1020.9, and cancer death rates per 100,000 from 849.2 to 833.5, indicating ongoing but slowing declines.

Comparison of Top Two Causes of Death

Throughout the two decades, diseases of the heart consistently remained the leading cause of death over malignant neoplasms, with the gap between the two narrowing from 583 deaths per 100,000 in 2000 to 187.4 deaths per 100,000 in 2019.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which disease saw a greater decline in death rates, diseases of the heart or malignant neoplasms?

Between 2000 and 2019, diseases of the heart saw a greater decline in death rates, with a 40% reduction compared to malignant neoplasms' 26%.

Terms and Definitions

A term that encompasses a wide range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It generally refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to heart attacks, chest pain (angina) or stroke. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for many people.

A group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Cancer can occur anywhere in the body and each type of cancer has its own risk factors and prevention strategies. It's a major cause of sickness and death worldwide.

Also known as mortality rate, this refers to the number of deaths in a particular population, measured per 1000 individuals per year. It's often used to compare the health status of different populations or evaluate the effectiveness of health interventions.

A branch of medical science that studies the distribution, patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations. It's fundamental for identifying risk factors for disease and targets for preventive healthcare.

Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it. Demographics play a key role in health research, as factors such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity can affect health outcomes and disease prevalence.

A long-lasting condition that can be controlled but not cured. Both heart disease and cancer fall into this category. Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide.

Something that increases an individual's likelihood of developing a disease or injury. Risk factors may be modifiable, such as lifestyle or dietary habits, or non-modifiable, such as age or genetic predisposition.

Strategies or interventions aimed at reducing the risk of developing certain health problems. Prevention of heart disease and cancer often involves promoting and maintaining healthy lifestyles.

Refers to the number of new cases of a specific disease that occur in a population during a specified period. It's usually expressed as a ratio or rate and is important for tracking disease trends over time.
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