There were 506,790 deaths in England and Wales in 2013, up 1.5% since 2012. Ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of death for males in 2013, which accounted for 15.4% of male deaths. The leading cause of death for females was dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, which accounted for 12.2% of female deaths during 2013. The second leading cause of death in 2013 was lung cancer (malignant neoplasm of trachea, bronchus and lung) for males and ischaemic heart disease for females.

Over the course of the 20th century, there have been steady decreases in mortality rates for the main three broad disease groups (cancer, circulatory and respiratory) in England and Wales. The reasons for this include improvements in the treatment of these diseases, and the introduction of preventative programmes, such as the NHS Breast screening programme. More recently, there have been initiatives to improve people’s health through better diet and lifestyle such as, the Change4life campaign and Stoptober.

Leading causes of deaths registered in England and Wales, 2013

1 in 1,000 deaths were among children aged 1-4 in 2013

Around 0.1% of all deaths were among children aged 1-4 years old. The leading cause of death at this age was congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (13% of boys and 14% of girls). These conditions are usually present at birth or develop shortly after, and include congenital heart defects. There were 22 cases of homicide and probable homicide in registered 2013, the 5th most common death for boys and 2nd for girls.

Land transport accidents leading cause of death for 5-19 year olds

The leading cause of death for both males and females aged 5-19 was land transport accidents, accounting for 13% of deaths at this age group. This was more common among males than females. Worldwide, males under the age of 25 are almost three times more likely to be killed in a car crash than females of the same age. Suicide is also one of the leading causes of death among this age group; the 2nd leading cause of death of males (112 deaths) and 6th for females (23 deaths).

Suicide and accidental poisoning leading cause of death for 20-34 year olds

Suicide (including injury/poisoning of undetermined intent) was the leading cause of death for 20-34 year olds (24% of men and 12% of women). Factors that could lead to these deaths include: traumatic experiences, lifestyle choices such as drug or alcohol misuse, job insecurity and relationship problems. For both sexes, accidental poisoning is also a highly common cause of death, followed by land transport accidents.

Breast cancer leading cause of death for 35-49 year old women

Suicide remains the leading cause of death for men aged 35-49, accounting for 13% of deaths. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women in this age group, accounting for 14% of deaths. However, it is the leading cause because women in this age group are relatively healthy and are therefore less likely to die of other causes. Breast cancer deaths in women aged 15-49 years only account for around 10% of all female breast cancer deaths.

Heart disease leading cause of death for men aged 50 and over

For those aged 50 and over, the leading causes of death for both men and women were long-term diseases and conditions. Cancer of the trachea, bronchus and lung is the number one cause for women aged 50-64, accounting for 11% of deaths in this group. Breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death for 50-64 year old women, accounting for 11% of deaths in this age group. Heart diseases are the leading cause of death for men aged 50 and over. Lifestyle choices and other conditions can lead to heart disease such as: smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s leading cause of death for women over 80

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease was the leading cause of death for women over 80 accounting for 17% of deaths and was the second leading cause for men causing 11% of deaths in this age group. Deaths from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are increasing as people live longer, and are more common in women as women live longer than men. The leading cause of death for men in this age group was ischaemic heart disease accounting for 15% of deaths, this was the second leading cause for women causing 11% of deaths

For more information, please contact: vsob@ons.gsi.gov.uk

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