Cancer accounted for about 27% of all deaths in 2000 and is number one killer since 1991. For men, the main cancers includes: lung , colo-rectum, liver and stomach. For women, the main cancers include: Breast, lung, liver and colo-rectum.
Cardiovascular diseases including coronary heart diseases and stroke accounted for about one third (34.8%) of all deaths in 2000. Coronary heart diseases, the number two killer, accounted for 20% of all deaths in 2000. The rate of heart attack remains fairly stable over the last 5 years and was 85 cases per 100,000 residents. The Indians have the highest risks of getting heart attacks, followed by Malays and Chinese.
Stroke accounted for about 10.3% of all deaths in 2000 is the number four killer. It is a major cause for adult-onset disability in Singapore and is the second most important cardiovascular diseases.
Diabetes is a silent killer. So far, 351 died in 2000. Though it is number six killer, it is the leading cause for end stage renal disease and blindness. During the last five years, about 700 lower limb amputations were performed yearly because of diabetic foot complications.
