Final answer:
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of chronic illness deaths in Canada, surpassing cancer. It is a major health issue worldwide and can often be prevented through lifestyle changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which disease has the highest proportion of chronic illness deaths in Canada. The answer is cardiovascular disease, which is a class of diseases that involve the cardiovascular system. While cancer accounts for a significant number of deaths and is a major cause of death in developed countries, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, including in Canada. It surpasses cancer in the number of deaths it causes.
Lifestyle choices play a substantial role in the development of these chronic diseases, even when genetics also contribute to a person's risk. Modifying lifestyle habits, like improving diet, increasing physical activity, and avoiding smoking, can greatly reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes.