Canadians are usually considered pretty healthy and have one of the longest life expectancies primarily due to publicly funded healthcare systems and affordable medications; In Canada, heart disease is the leading cause of death. Every year, heart disease kills more people than any other illness. There are many different types of heart disease, but the most common is coronary artery disease.
This happens when plaque builds up inside the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This can lead to a heart attack. Other types of heart disease include arrhythmia, angina, and congestive heart failure. According to the World Health organization annual report, the following conditions kill hundreds of Canadians each year.
leading Cause of Death In Canada
10. Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder that results in high blood sugar levels. The leading cause of death in Canada is diabetes mellitus, with heart disease and stroke as the number two and three reasons. 3.4 million Canadians are living with diabetes or prediabetes. Every day, 12 people die from complications due to diabetes mellitus.
9. Suicide
Suicide is the leading cause of death in Canada for people aged 15-44. In 2011, suicide accounted for 24% of all deaths among youth aged 10-19 and 10% among adults aged 20-44. Suicide is also a leading cause of death worldwide.
Many factors can increase someone’s risk of suicide, including mental health problems, substance abuse, exposure to violence, and certain life events or transitions (e.g., loss of a loved one, divorce). However, most people who die by suicide have no known mental health condition.
Warning signs that someone may be suicidal include talking about wanting to die or hurt oneself, expressing feelings of hopelessness or despair, increasing alcohol or drug abuse, withdrawing from friends and activities, abnormal mood swings, and giving away prized possessions.
8. COLON-RECTUM CANCERS
It’s not a topic that many people like to talk about, but colon-rectum cancers are a leading cause of death in Canada. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that over 26,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year, and over 10,000 will die from the disease.
What are the risk factors for colon-rectum cancers? Age is a significant risk factor – the majority of cases occur in people 55 years or older. Other risk factors include a family history of colorectal cancer, personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, and a diet high in red and processed meats. What are the symptoms of colon-rectum cancers?
7. Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada for men. It is estimated that 26,000 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and 4,100 will die. Prostate cancer is a disease that can often be treated successfully if it is detected early. However, many men do not get screened for prostate cancer even though simple and practical tests are available.
6. Breast Cancer
One in eight Canadian women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Every day, nine women die from breast cancer in Canada. While significant progress has been made in the fight against breast cancer, it remains the leading cause of death among Canadian women. Early detection is key to surviving breast cancer.
5. Stroke
According to the latest WHO data published in 2017, Canada’s stroke deaths reached 12,693 or 6.01% of total deaths. The age-adjusted Death Rate is 18.22 per 100,000 population, ranks Canada #183 globally.
4. Lung Disease
Did you know that stroke is the leading cause of death in Canada? A stroke can occur when a blockage in an artery or vein supplies blood to the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.
Symptoms of a stroke may include sudden onset of weakness, numbness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, confusion and vision problems.
If you experience these symptoms, it is vital to seek medical help immediately. Stroke treatment depends on the type and severity of the stroke. Therefore, early treatment is essential for the best possible outcome.
3. Lung Cancers
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, lung cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada. In 2013, it was responsible for 26% of all cancer deaths. The good news is that the five-year survival rate is high when caught early. Unfortunately, however, most cases are diagnosed later when the prognosis is not as good.
There are two main types of lung cancer: small and non-small cells. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type, accounting for about 85% of all cases. The main risk factors for both types of cancer are smoking and exposure to asbestos.
Lung cancers are treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the patient’s health status.
2. Alzheimer’s/Dementia
There is no one answer to what the leading cause of death in Canada is, but if you were to take a guess, Alzheimer’s dementia would be high on the list. This neurological disease affects the brain and causes memory, thinking, and behaviour problems.
It is a progressive condition, which means it gets worse over time. As the population ages, the number of people with Alzheimer’s dementia is expected to increase. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease, and currently, no effective treatments are available.
1. Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in Canada. It accounts for 31% of all deaths in the country. Most of these fatalities occur in people who are 65 years of age or older. However, coronary heart disease also kills a significant number of younger adults.
The good news is that there are many ways to reduce your risk of developing this condition. Some simple steps include eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking.
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