Final answer:
Heart disease and cancer, along with stroke and diabetes, collectively account for 64 percent of U.S. deaths, with lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise, playing a significant role in their prevention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Leading Causes of Death in the U.S.
Along with heart disease and cancer, chronic noninfectious diseases such as stroke and diabetes account for 64 percent of U.S. deaths. Heart disease, often associated with a sedentary lifestyle and high trans-fat diets, is the leading cause of death in the United States. While cancer, a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells, is the leading cause of death worldwide and the second-most prevalent in the U.S. Major risk factors include tobacco use, which is not only a significant cause of cancer but also of heart disease and respiratory disease.
Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, are largely influenced by lifestyle choices, despite some genetic predispositions. Similarly, some cancers also have genetic risks but can be mitigated by lifestyle choices and early screenings. The most common types of cancer that lead to death are lung, prostate and breast cancer, with lung cancer being the most lethal, and its high occurrence attributed primarily to smoking.
Therefore, a significant portion of these diseases can be prevented through changes in lifestyle, including quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, consistent exercise, and regular medical screenings. It informs us that the majority of these deaths are linked to preventable causes that could be addressed through public health measures and personal choices.