Source: 1998 Michigan Residents Death Files, Division for Vital Statistics, MDCH

Cancer and heart disease are the two leading causes of death in Cass and Van Buren Counties.  By contrast with the rest of the state, Cass and Van Buren have more cancer deaths and less heart disease deaths, with the difference being greater for Cass than for Van Buren.  A striking difference between the rates for our counties and the state was the excess of unintentional injury deaths in Cass County.  The most common causes of unintentional injury were motor vehicle crashes, burns, drownings, and poisonings.  Other areas of excess mortality included diabetes mellitus for both counties and COPD for Cass County.  Diabetes is more prevalent in obese populations and COPD is closely associated with tobacco use.