Causes of Death

Death is a part of life, but understanding the causes can help us to better understand the overall mortality rate and allow us to take steps to improve health outcomes. In general, the major causes of death can be divided into two main categories: natural causes and external causes. Natural causes of death are those caused by an illness or an injury, such as cancer or heart disease. External causes of death include accidents, intentional injuries (such as homicide and suicide), and exposure to environmental factors (such as air pollution). By understanding the different causes of death, health professionals and policy makers can take steps to reduce mortality rates. For instance, efforts to improve the safety of public spaces, the accessibility of healthcare, and the quality of air and water can help reduce death due to external causes. In addition, increased awareness of diseases and their treatments can help reduce the incidence of natural causes of death.