Trends in Certain Causes of Death at Young Ages in Canada

This study was produced to provide statistical indications of trends in mortality at ages 10 through 34 for both males and females in Canada. In particular, there was special interest in reviewing the rates of death for certain causes of death, namely: suicide and accidental deaths. The data indicate a sharp rise in the incidence of suicides. This is especially true for males. At the same time, the data indicate a significant drop in the mortality 'hump' normally apparent because of accidental deaths for males between ages 20 and 30. In fact, the male mortality 'hump' has virtually disappeared. The same indications are evident in recent Individual Insured Lives Mortality analysis done for the Canadian Institute of Actuaries. This information should be of interest to actuaries in trending mortality rates for use in pricing and valuation.