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 specific 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 flow, 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
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 light–headed.

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 fiber, 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

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 coughing
• Wheezing
• 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.
• Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine.
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
• Painful or burning urination.
• Difficulty 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 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 family’s medical history.

Number 3 – Unintentional Injuries
Unintentional injuries are simply accidents.  Though a leading cause of death for men – and Americans of all ages – many unintentional injuries can be easily prevented.  Injuries in this category include, for example, injuries due to falls, fire and impaired driving. 

Statistics

• In 2002, unintentional injuries were the leading cause of death for people ages 1 to 44 years and the fifth 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 fires accounted for 76 percent of fire-related injuries and 79 percent of fire-related deaths in 2002.  In this year alone, more than 401,000 home fires 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 year’s total traffic 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.

Fires
The CDC identifies a few main risk factors for unintentional injury due to fire.

• Install Smoke Alarms: Approximately half of home fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms.
• Double Check Safety of Heating Units: Most residential fires occur during the winter months.
• Drink in Moderation: Alcohol use contributes to an estimated 40 percent of residential fire deaths.

Number 4 – Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow 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:

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 fibrillation 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 airflow 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

• 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 deficiency of insulin or to the body’s 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 body’s 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 body’s 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)
• Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults 20 to 74 years of age. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
• 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. Department of Health and Human Services)

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

Prevention
Your risk for type-2 diabetes and heart disease depend on factors that can be managed (modifiable risk factors) and others that are genetic (non-modifiable risk factors). Understanding and managing your risk factors can help you avoid diabetes and heart disease and live a longer, better life. 

Modifiable Risk Factors

• Overweight and obesity
• High blood glucose
• High blood pressure
• Unhealthy cholesterol levels
• Physical inactivity
• Smoking

Non-modifiable Risk Factors

• Age
• Race
• Gender
• Family history

Number 7 – Influenza and Pneumonia
Influenza
According to the CDC, influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses.  The flu can cause varying degrees of illness from mild to fatal. The flu 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 flu complications including death. 

Prevention
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.  Hand-washing and avoiding others with the flu also may help.

Pneumonia
The Mayo Clinic reports that pneumonia is an inflammation 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 treat some 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 first place.

Statistics

• Every year in the United States, on average 5 percent to 20 percent of the population gets the flu,more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu. (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 flu usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:

• Fever (usually high)
• Headache
• Extreme tiredness
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle 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 flu, but it can also be associated with other illnesses or occur on its own.

Prevention:
Pneumonia is slightly more complicated compared to flu because you usually don't "catch" pneumonia from someone else. Instead, you develop the disease because your immune system is temporarily weakened, 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 flu, getting a yearly flu shot is a good way to prevent viral influenza 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 five 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.
• 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 firearms.  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 don’t 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 Men’s Health Network, depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S.  In some cases, it can be caused by a deficit 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.  (Men’s Health Network)

Statistics
According 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 reflects 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:

• 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 death
• Talk about death and self-destruction

Prevention
Don’t 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 first ones to notice. (Mayo Clinic)

Also, work to improve your emotional health and well-being.  When stress doesn’t go away, it begins to weaken your immune system and increase your risk of developing a number of physical and mental conditions. The Men’s 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 isn’t bad to just walk away.
• Don’t Self-Mediate – Don’t 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 filter 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 Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics are particularly vulnerable.

According to the National Kidney Disease Education Program, if your kidneys stop working completely, your body fills 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 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 find out if you have kidney disease is to have a urine or blood test.

Prevention
The Mayo Clinic suggests these preventative measures:

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain your proper weight
• Don’t smoke
• Get checked regularly for diabetes and high blood pressure
• Limit your use of over-the-counter pain relievers
• Take 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 – Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s 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 Alzheimer’s disease, the longer people live, the more likely they are to develop the disease. 

Statistics

• About 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease and an estimated 222,300 of them live in Illinois.
• About one in 10 persons 65 years of age and older and almost half of those 85 years of age and older will develop Alzheimer’s disease.
• More than 70 percent of those suffering from Alzheimer’s 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 Alzheimer’s disease by 2050. 
• A person with Alzheimer’s 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 Alzheimer’s disease is infection.

Symptoms
An early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can increase the chance of potential benefits from approved medications. It also allows that person to participate in health care, financial and legal decisions.
Symptoms/warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease may include the following:

• Memory loss or unexplained confusion that interferes with daily activities
• Difficulty in performing familiar tasks and chores
• Problems speaking, understanding, reading or writing
• Forgetting words or substituting inappropriate words
• Disorientation 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., difficulty 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 Alzheimer’s 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 Alzheimer’s disease and many causes, such as depression, drug interaction, thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies, are reversible if detected early and treated appropriately.

Prevention
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no proven way to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s 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 fitness can’t hurt.