Common Causes of Death in the World
July 13, 2009 by Anna Farmery
Filed under Blogs and Resources
The world seems to be getting a smaller and smaller place. Death is something that we all share in common around the world. However it is telling when you look at the differences in what causes death
In the USA the top 5 causes of death are in % terms
| 1. Diseases of the heart | 28.5 |
| 2. Malignant tumors | 22.8 |
| 3. Cerebrovascular diseases | 6.7 |
| 4. Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 5.1 |
| 5. Accidents (unintentional injuries) | 4.4 |
In the world the top 5 causes of death are
| 1. Ischemic heart disease | 12.6 |
| 2. Cerebrovascular diseases | 9.7 |
| 3. Lower respiratory infections (e.g., pneumonia) | 6.8 |
| 4. HIV/AIDS | 4.9 |
| 5. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | 4.8 |
It illustrates to me the differences across the world and yet in those difference is the united suffering of grief

















This posting is very timely to me. Just a little over a year since Rick died of a malignant tumour in his brain, I have received word this morning that his cousin died yesterday. He was only 62 years old. He felt light headed, collapsed and never regained consciousness. His daughter is getting married next month. There never is a good time to go but this has to be a very hard time for the family. I am not looking forward to this funeral but I will get through it and maybe I can give his wife some moral support since, as you all know, no one can know what this feels like unless you have been there.
I will be drawing on strength that I have received here on Widow’s Quest and the support of my family in the next little while. I hope some of the things I have learned here will help me to help the new widow.
Leslie – I am so sorry. If there is anyone I know that has the strength to face what life throws at them it is you. It is amazing how life bends and curves…for each death, a birth…and in a sense here too. A marriage is a birth of a new love…
I always feel there are no words…there are only hugs, patience and your time that you can offer and I know that you will give all 3 in abundance.
If I can help in any way just let me know….Love to the family…Anna xx
Thank you so much for the kind words, Anna. I spoke to the widow yesterday. She seems to be doing well. Where do we find that steely fortitude inside of us at a time like this? She reminds me of me last year. I do know that a time will come when she will need others and I will be there. Later in her journey I will recommend that she join us on Widows Quest. This has been a place where I can just be me and let my true feelings out. I hope she will be able to do the same in the future.