PHILADELPHIA: Almost a quarter of all deaths in England and Wales are potentially avoidable, 2014 figures released by the Office for National Statistics suggest.
The report shows that out of some 116,000 avoidable deaths in total, more than a third were caused by tumours.
And levels of avoidable deaths were significantly higher in Wales than in England. In England, the North East had the worst rates.
Department of Health officials say they are investing to tackle the issue.
The review looked at deaths that could have been prevented through good quality, timely healthcare or healthier lifestyle choices and public health interventions.
It suggests in 2014 there were 108,491 potentially avoidable deaths in England and 7,428 in Wales – 23% of all deaths that occurred that year.
And second to tumours, heart disease and strokes contributed to the most deaths.
The report found males had a higher proportion of avoidable deaths (29%) than females (18%)…..