The most likely cause of death for a woman between the ages

Which of the following is the most likely cause of death for a woman between the ages of 45 and 54 in the United States?

(A) Breast cancer
(B) Ischemic heart disease
(C) Lung cancer
(D) Suicide
(E) Accidents

A.

There are distinct epidemiologic factors governing different illnesses experienced by men and women. Although women are more likely to be disabled and have more days of restricted activity then men at all ages (particularly due to obstetric and gynecologic conditions) and women make more visits to physicians, women live longer than men, with a survival advantage in all age groups. The longer life expectancy of women is due in large part to the difference in mortality caused by a slightly reduced incidence of ischemic heart disease in women. The leading causes of death among young women in the United States are accidents, homicide, and suicide. However, during the middle years, breast cancer is more common than heart disease or lung cancer. For those over age 65, heart disease, lung cancer, and cerebrovascular disease are more important causes of death than breast cancer. Despite heart disease being the greatest cause of death overall, most U.S. women believe that breast cancer poses the greatest threat to their lives.