Death rates in the 20th century

The 20th century saw a transition from infectious diseases to degenerative diseases such as cancer or diabetes as the leading cause of death in the developed world.[1] In 1900, the leading cause of death in the United States was Influenza with 202.2 deaths per 100,000 people followed by tuberculosis with 194.4, which is an easily curable illness today. In the middle of 20th century America, the leading cause of death was heart disease with an impressive 355.5 deaths per 100,000 followed by Cancer at 139.8 deaths per 100,000. Although death rates dropped significantly in the latter part of the 20th century, the leading killers are still constant. The United States saw 129.9 people per 100,000 die from heart disease in 2010 followed by cancer with 185.9 people per 100,000. [2]

Death rates in the 20th century from natural causes, including disease and malnutrition, plummeted in wealthier countries. In 1900 around 17 Americans per 1000 died in any given year. At the close of the century the number was around 9 per thousand.

Fertility rates and consequently live birth rates declined over the century, while age-adjusted death rates fell more dramatically. Children in 1999 were 10 times less likely to die than children in 1900.

For adults 24–65, death rates have been halved. The death rate for Americans aged 65 to 74 fell from nearly 7% per year to fewer than 2% per year.

The introduction of vaccines for several diseases led to reduced mortality from them. Again developed countries felt the greatest benefit. In the 20th century, vaccines became available for many diseases which caused deaths: diphtheria, pertussis, tuberculosis, tetanus, yellow fever, polio, measles, hepatitis among others.

However, war, genocide and Holocausts led to many millions of deaths throughout the century, and late in the century AIDS had already killed millions, particularly in Africa and south-east Asia. Cancer also killed millions via lifestyle and pollution generated by industrialization.

See also

• Death rate
• List of countries by death rate
• Birth rate