Changing How We Die

Over 110 years, medicine took huge strides to treat the major illnesses of the day.  A look at the major causes of death in the years 1900 and 2010 tell that story.

Infectious diseases ruled the world as the major cause of death.  But antibiotics and vaccinations have decreased there power.  Instead, we now live in a world with a long life span and abundant food.  The longer people the more that cancer and heart disease increase.  Even those numbers have changed.  There is a reason that medical forms ask if anyone in your family died of a heart attack before the age of 50.  Not much could be done in the 70's and 80's.  Now, people with heart disease live into their 70's and 80's.  Much work remains in treating cancers, but new treatments appear promising.