Leading causes of death in females (all ages), 2002 (pie chart): Diseases of the heart, 28.6%; Malignant neoplasms (cancer), 21.6%; Cerebrovascular diseases (stroke), 8.0%; Chronic lower respiratory diseases, 5.2%; Diabetes mellitus, 3.1%; Influenza and pneumonia, 3.0%; Alzheimer’s disease, 3.4%; Accidents, 3.0%; All other causes, 24.1%.

Source: Kochanek, M.A., et al. Deaths: final data for 2002. National Vital Statistics Reports, Volume 53, No. 5. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. October 2003.