Life is full of risks, some more likely than others. Understanding the odds of various causes of death can help us navigate these risks and make informed decisions about our health and safety.

Heart Disease

Odds: 1 in 6

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It often results from conditions that damage the heart’s ability to function effectively, such as coronary artery disease and heart rhythm problems.

Did You Know? Heart disease often develops over time and can be influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. It’s also influenced by genetic factors and conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Cancer

Odds: 1 in 7

Cancer, characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells, is the second leading cause of death. These abnormal cells can form a mass called a tumor, which can invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body.

Did You Know? There are over 100 types of cancer, each with its own methods of diagnosis and treatment. Lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors can influence the risk of developing cancer.

All Preventable Causes of Death

Odds: 1 in 19

This category includes all deaths that could potentially be avoided through preventative care, changes in behavior, or intervention. These deaths often result from conditions that could have been detected early or prevented through lifestyle changes.

Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease

Odds: 1 in 31

Chronic lower respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, are a significant cause of death. These conditions often result from long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from smoking.

Fact: Chronic lower respiratory diseases are often related to smoking, but they can also be caused by exposure to air pollutants. These diseases can often be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.

Opioid Overdose (Accidental)

Odds: 1 in 58

Accidental opioid overdoses have become increasingly common, often resulting from misuse of prescription medications. These overdoses can cause severe respiratory depression, leading to death.

Did You Know? The opioid crisis has been declared a public health emergency in the United States. Overdoses often occur when a person takes more than the prescribed dose or combines opioids with alcohol or other drugs.

Motor-Vehicle Crash

Odds: 1 in 93

Motor vehicle crashes are a common cause of death.

Fact: Distracted driving, including texting or talking on the phone while driving, is a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes. Other major factors include speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Fall

Odds: 1 in 98

Falls can lead to serious injury or death, particularly among older adults. These incidents often occur due to factors such as loss of balance, poor vision, and hazards in the environment.

Did You Know? Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults. Factors that increase the risk of falls include age, medication side effects, and environmental hazards.

Pedestrian Incident

Odds: 1 in 485

Pedestrian incidents often involve collisions with motor vehicles. These incidents can occur when pedestrians or drivers fail to observe traffic rules and signals.

Fact: Most pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas, away from intersections. Factors contributing to these incidents include driver and pedestrian impairment and lack of visibility.

Motorcyclist

Odds: 1 in 747

Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of fatal accidents than car passengers. These accidents often occur due to factors such as high speed, alcohol impairment, and lack of helmet use.

Did You Know? Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled. Helmet use can significantly reduce the risk of head injury in the event of a crash.

Drowning

Odds: 1 in 1,006

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death. This can occur as a result of lack of swimming ability, lack of barriers around pools, and lack of close supervision.

Fact: Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1-4.

Fire or Smoke

Odds: 1 in 1,287

Deaths from fire or smoke inhalation often result from residential fires. These incidents can occur due to factors such as unattended cooking, faulty heating equipment, and careless smoking.

Did You Know? The majority of home fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Choking on Food

Odds: 1 in 2,659

Choking on food can be a sudden and unexpected cause of death. This often occurs when food is not chewed properly, or when individuals, particularly children or the elderly, eat while lying down or talking.

Bicycle Accident

Odds: 1 in 3,546

Bicyclists face a higher risk of fatal accidents than car passengers. These accidents often occur due to factors such as lack of helmet use, alcohol impairment, and failure to obey traffic laws.

Fact: Head injuries account for about 60% of bicycle-related deaths. Helmet use can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85%.

Sunstroke

Odds: 1 in 4,655

Sunstroke, or heat stroke, is a serious condition that can be fatal. This often occurs when the body’s temperature rises too high as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures.

Did You Know? Sunstroke is most likely to affect older adults, infants, and people with chronic illnesses. It can occur rapidly, within minutes of exposure to high temperatures.

Cataclysmic Storm

Odds: 1 in 20,098

Cataclysmic storms such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms can lead to fatalities. These deaths often occur due to factors such as lack of preparedness, failure to evacuate, and direct impact of the storm.

Fact: The deadliest cataclysmic storm in U.S. history was the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, which killed an estimated 8,000 people. Advances in weather forecasting have significantly reduced storm-related fatalities in recent years.

Sharp Objects

Odds: 1 in 25,960

Injuries or deaths caused by sharp objects can occur in various settings. These incidents often result from accidents while using tools, knives, or other sharp objects.

FYI: Serious injuries from sharp objects can occur in a variety of settings, from the kitchen to the workplace.

Hot Surfaces and Substances

Odds: 1 in 45,908

Burns from hot surfaces and substances can be serious and potentially fatal. These often occur in the home or workplace due to accidents or lack of safety measures.

Dog Attack

Odds: 1 in 53,843

While dogs are often beloved pets, they can sometimes cause harm. Attacks often occur when dogs feel threatened or when they are not properly trained or socialized.

Fact: Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the U.S. Children are more likely than adults to be bitten by a dog.

Hornet, Wasp, and Bee Stings

Odds: 1 in 54,516

Stings from hornets, wasps, and bees can be deadly, especially for those with allergies. These incidents often occur when individuals accidentally disturb a nest or come into close contact with these insects.

Did You Know? An estimated 0.4% to 0.8% of children and 3% of adults are allergic to insect stings. An allergic reaction can occur within minutes of a sting and can be life-threatening.

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