Menu
30/04/2010
British Women 'More Likely To Die By 60'
British women are ranked high in the league table of premature death, research has revealed.
Women are more likely to die early in the UK than in virtually every other western European country. The death rates of women in Britain are on a par with those in Slovenia and Albania.
Men in the UK fare better, according to a worldwide analysis of mortality between 1970 and 2010.
Their risk of dying before the age of 60 is typical of that for western Europe.
The findings emerged after University of Washington scientists studied data from 187 countries to work out the probability of a 15-year-old dying before he or she hit 60.
In the UK, 58 deaths per 1,000 among women were before the age of 60, while for men the figure stood at 93.
In western Europe only Danish and Belgian women had a higher risk than those in the UK.
Professor Danny Dorling, an expert in health inequalities from Sheffield University, said the poor performance of the UK was down to health inequalities.
"We have some of the worst health outcomes in our poorest areas in the whole of Europe."
Professor Alan Maryon Davis, president of the Faculty of Public Health, agreed health inequalities were playing a major role, pointing out the UK had relatively high rates of smoking and drinking.
The study also looked at historical data to work out death rates going back to 1970 to see whether countries were improving or getting worse.
Globally, women fared best, with early death rates among them falling by 34% compared with a 19% decline among men between 1970 and 2010.
Factors affecting death rates included the 'disease of affluence', socio-economic development, better health technologies, social dysfunction in the aftermath of the Soviet Union and the HIV epidemic, said experts.
Australia saw some of the biggest cuts in mortality, while the Aids epidemic kept Africa at the bottom of the table.
Safest today are men in Iceland and women from Cyprus.
(LB/BMcC)
Women are more likely to die early in the UK than in virtually every other western European country. The death rates of women in Britain are on a par with those in Slovenia and Albania.
Men in the UK fare better, according to a worldwide analysis of mortality between 1970 and 2010.
Their risk of dying before the age of 60 is typical of that for western Europe.
The findings emerged after University of Washington scientists studied data from 187 countries to work out the probability of a 15-year-old dying before he or she hit 60.
In the UK, 58 deaths per 1,000 among women were before the age of 60, while for men the figure stood at 93.
In western Europe only Danish and Belgian women had a higher risk than those in the UK.
Professor Danny Dorling, an expert in health inequalities from Sheffield University, said the poor performance of the UK was down to health inequalities.
"We have some of the worst health outcomes in our poorest areas in the whole of Europe."
Professor Alan Maryon Davis, president of the Faculty of Public Health, agreed health inequalities were playing a major role, pointing out the UK had relatively high rates of smoking and drinking.
The study also looked at historical data to work out death rates going back to 1970 to see whether countries were improving or getting worse.
Globally, women fared best, with early death rates among them falling by 34% compared with a 19% decline among men between 1970 and 2010.
Factors affecting death rates included the 'disease of affluence', socio-economic development, better health technologies, social dysfunction in the aftermath of the Soviet Union and the HIV epidemic, said experts.
Australia saw some of the biggest cuts in mortality, while the Aids epidemic kept Africa at the bottom of the table.
Safest today are men in Iceland and women from Cyprus.
(LB/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 September 2003
Guidance for women's mental health strategy launched
Health Minister, Rosie Winterton, today launched guidance for a Women's Mental Health Strategy during a visit to Mental Health services in Sheffield. Social isolation and poverty are much more common in women, as is the experience of child sexual abuse, domestic violence and sexual violence, the minister said.
Guidance for women's mental health strategy launched
Health Minister, Rosie Winterton, today launched guidance for a Women's Mental Health Strategy during a visit to Mental Health services in Sheffield. Social isolation and poverty are much more common in women, as is the experience of child sexual abuse, domestic violence and sexual violence, the minister said.
17 February 2004
UK sees 20% increase in multiple births over 10 years
Mothers are having 20% more multiple births than they were a decade ago, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Statistics have revealed that in 2002, the multiple birth rate was 15 per 1,000 women giving birth, compared with 12.5 in 1992.
UK sees 20% increase in multiple births over 10 years
Mothers are having 20% more multiple births than they were a decade ago, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Statistics have revealed that in 2002, the multiple birth rate was 15 per 1,000 women giving birth, compared with 12.5 in 1992.
30 June 2004
Study uncovers social variations in UK abortion rates
Abortions among young women tend to be lower in socially disadvantaged areas – even though these areas also have the highest rates of conception among the under 18s, according to a new report out today.
Study uncovers social variations in UK abortion rates
Abortions among young women tend to be lower in socially disadvantaged areas – even though these areas also have the highest rates of conception among the under 18s, according to a new report out today.
15 January 2004
Chlamydia screening programme widens
Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson today announced further roll-out of the chlamydia screening programme to cover 16 new areas of England. Chlamydia is the country's most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) with as many as one-in-10 people infected with the disease.
Chlamydia screening programme widens
Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson today announced further roll-out of the chlamydia screening programme to cover 16 new areas of England. Chlamydia is the country's most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) with as many as one-in-10 people infected with the disease.
28 June 2012
Wider Waists Increase Risk Of Infertility And Cancer In Women
UK women with larger waist sizes face increased risk of infertility and cancers, including breast cancer warn Nuffield Health, the UK’s largest healthcare charity. This follows analysis of health MOT data from more than 54,000 individuals aiming to improve their health and fitness.
Wider Waists Increase Risk Of Infertility And Cancer In Women
UK women with larger waist sizes face increased risk of infertility and cancers, including breast cancer warn Nuffield Health, the UK’s largest healthcare charity. This follows analysis of health MOT data from more than 54,000 individuals aiming to improve their health and fitness.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
