End of Life Concerns Top Causes of Death for Ages 25-44 By Mark Stibich, PhD Mark Stibich, PhD LinkedIn Twitter Mark Stibich, PhD, FIDSA, is a behavior change expert with experience helping individuals make lasting lifestyle improvements. Learn about our editorial process Updated on July 26, 2021 Medically reviewed by Isaac O. Opole, MD, PhD Medically reviewed by Isaac O. Opole, MD, PhD LinkedIn Isaac O. Opole, MD, PhD, is a board-certified internist and a current teaching professor of medicine at the University of Kansas. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print The top causes of death for men and women in the 25-44 age group are largely preventable. Compared to ages 15-24, more chronic diseases begin to appear in this list. These illnesses are due, in part, to lifestyle factors such as exercise, diet, and stress. The overall risk of dying in ages 25-44 is 0.15% per year which is pretty low. Still, this list of mostly preventable deaths is worth noting as changes in eating habits, physical activity, and lifestyle habits can help lower the mortality rate and add years on to your life. Accidents John Clutterbuck/Getty Images Better safe than sorry is an important adage as accidents are the leading cause of death in this age group. Knowing that 16% are from auto accidents is another cause for concern. Buckle up, drive responsibly and put your cell phone down to save lives, including your own. % of Deaths: 33.6 (motor vehicle accidents: 16)Prevention Methods: Wear your seat belt, drive defensively and have a short commute. Cancer Early detection, and thus early treatment can save a life that would've otherwise been lost to cancer. Be sure to listen to your body, get checked out quickly if you think something is wrong, perform regular self-checks, and see your healthcare provider regularly each year. % of Deaths: 22Prevention Methods: Eat well, exercise, and get regular check-ups. Heart Disease It is the leading cause of death overall in the US. Be vigilant in staying heart healthy by eating right, exercising, and getting proper sleep. % of Deaths: 18.7Prevention Methods: Relaxation, good nutrition, and exercise. Suicide After accidents, suicide is the second leading cause of death in this age group. Be sure if you're having trouble to reach out. There are emergency hotlines available in a crisis, but an approach to staying out of trouble is to see a counselor regularly to sort out certain issues. % of Deaths: 13.6Prevention Methods: Reduce your risk by seeking help for depression and mental illness. Homicide Homicide kills more people than HIV. Protect yourself and your friends by keeping an open line of communication to resolve conflicts and report any threats or suspicions to law enforcement. % of Deaths: 8.5Prevention Methods: Reduce your risk by seeking help for domestic violence and avoiding risky situations. HIV Take proper precautions to prevent transmission of the virus that causes AIDS. Always protect yourself and your partner and get tested regularly if you have more than one sex partner or have encountered anyone who may have had interactions with illicit drugs. % of Deaths: 7.5Prevention Methods: Practice safe sex and avoid injection drugs. Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis Alcohol abuse is not just destructive emotionally, prolonged and regular alcohol abuse can lead to liver disease. % of Deaths: 3.6Prevention Methods: Drink alcohol only in moderation. Stroke Look out for sudden numbness or weakness in one area of your body, confusion, trouble speaking or seeing or a sudden lack of coordination. These are all symptoms of a stroke. % of Deaths: 3.4Prevention Methods: Eat well, exercise, and take care of your heart. Diabetes In addition to regular exercise, health consistent meals, and adequate sleep, be sure you see a healthcare provider if you experience tingling pain or numbness in your hands or feet. There are other pre-Diabetes symptoms to watch out for as well. % of Deaths: 3.1Prevention Methods: Reduce your risk by eating well, avoiding excess sugar, and controlling your diabetes if you have it. Flu and Pneumonia Surprisingly people still die from flu and pneumonia and the reason why is they wait too long after symptoms start to get help and underestimate their illness. As soon as you have symptoms, see a healthcare provider to rule out serious health concerns. % of Deaths: 1.4Prevention Methods: Reduce your risk by getting a flu vaccine and washing your hands.32.7% of mortality in this age group is due to other causes. By Mark Stibich, PhD Mark Stibich, PhD, FIDSA, is a behavior change expert with experience helping individuals make lasting lifestyle improvements. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit