Research examining U.S. mortality trends from 2000 to 2019 highlights significant progress in reducing mortality from leading causes among U.S. adults.

Authors George Rust, M.D., Tyra Dark, Ph.D., Jeffrey Harman, Ph.D. and colleagues identified 11 disease categories with age-adjusted mortality declines of at least 20%, including heart disease, stroke and cancer, three of the nation’s leading causes of death.

Substantial mortality reductions reflect advances in screening, early diagnosis, treatment and cures. The findings demonstrate how research innovations have translated into improvements in prevention and medical care. 

At the same time, mortality increased for several ‘above-the-neck’ conditions, including brain diseases and drug overdose, highlighting areas where additional public health strategies are still needed.