This profile looks at the major causes of death in North Yorkshire which includes cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory disease.
The rate of mortality for people aged under 75 from cardiovascular disease has decreased in North Yorkshire between 2001-03 and 2015-17, and at 63 per 100,00 population is significantly lower than the national (73 per 100,000) average. None of the districts in North Yorkshire have a rate significantly higher than England. There is evidence of some variation between districts; Scarborough (81 per 100,000) has the highest rate of premature mortality from cardiovascular disease although this is not significantly higher than England. Craven (47), Hambleton (52), Harrogate (62) and Ryedale (48) all have rates that are significantly lower than England.
The rate of mortality for people aged under 75 from cancer decreased in North Yorkshire between 2001-03 and 2015-17, and at 121 per 100,000 population is now significantly lower than both England (137 per 100,000) and Yorkshire & Humber (146 per 100,000). In 2017, the most common cancer deaths aged under 75 in North Yorkshire were cancers of the trachea, bronchus and lungs (158 deaths).
Respiratory disease deaths in people aged under 75 in North Yorkshire (27 per 100,000 population) are significantly lower than both England (34) and Yorkshire & Humber (40). All the districts in the county had rates statistically lower than both England and Yorkshire & Humber, other than Scarborough and Selby who were not significantly different from England. However, the rate in North Yorkshire has slightly increased since 2013-15, so this should be monitored to determine if this is a lifestyle or behaviour related health trend, or if it is representative of shifting demographics in the county.
