The Top Cause of Death in Maine Revealed

In just a few decades, America has become obsessed with being healthy.

Fifty years ago, we cooked with lard, smoked cigarettes, and rarely wore seatbelts when we drove in cars.  Now, even those who are not dedicated to being healthy are still a lot healthier than people in the 1960s and 1970s.

Much of this is because of government regulation.  The really bad foods are no longer available and wearing your seatbelt is a law (in most places), for example.

Of course, no matter how healthy you are, the Grim Reaper will still eventually come knocking at your door.

If you spend much time dwelling on death, you may wonder what your cause of death will be.  Thanks to the Centers for Disease Control, we know what the top causes of death for Mainers are.

The Top Causes of Death in Maine

According to data from the CDC, the leading cause of death in Maine is heart disease.  In 2022, about 3,600 Mainers succumbed to heart disease

Cancer, in all its various forms, came in 2nd place.  In fact, cancer was just behind heart disease.  In total, about 3,500 Maine residents passed away from cancer in 2022.

Accidents came in 3rd place.  In 2022, just under 1,400 Maine residents passed away as a result of an accident.

Chronic respiratory diseases, such as emphysema, were the fourth most commonChronic respiratory diseases, such as emphysema, were the fourth most common cause of death in Maine, claiming approximately 900 lives in 2022.

COVID-19 came in 5th place in the top causes of death in Maine.  The flu-like illness claimed 798 lives.  It is important to keep in mind that, while this is the most current data, it is from 2022.  There is a good chance that COVID-19 will drop much farther down the list the next time we get a data update.

Other leading causes of death include strokes, diabetes, Alzheimer's Disease, chronic liver disease, and influenza.