Chronic disease a leading cause of premature death
In 2007, more than 80% of all premature deaths were due to chronic disease, according to an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report.
The report, Premature mortality from chronic disease, shows that of these premature deaths – deaths among people aged less than 75 years – more than 3 in 5 were potentially avoidable.
Among men, coronary heart disease was the most common cause of premature mortality, accounting for 16% of years of life lost from chronic disease, while for women, the leading cause was breast cancer, which made up 12% of years of life lost from chronic disease.
The report uses potential years of life lost (PYLL) as an indicator of premature death. PYLL are determined by age at death and only take into account deaths that occur before the age of 75.
Among men, lung cancer (8%) and depression (6%) were the second and third most common causes of PYLL. For women, lung cancer (9%) and coronary heart disease (6%) were responsible for the next greatest number of chronic disease PYYL, after breast cancer.
