Modern medicine has not only prolonged living but has also prolonged dying.
Recent advances in biomedicine have converted grave illnesses like cancer into
chronic illnesses. About 2 million Americans will die this year. Less than 10%
of this population will experience a sudden or relatively rapid death due to
cardiac diseases, trauma etc. Most will be diagnosed and live and endure life
with a chronic illness for a prolonged period of time before transitioning into
death.
Yet, the delivery of health care services has only just recently begun adapting
to this reality (Lynn).
Dying in the Past
Causes of Death Comparison
Rank
Cause of Death in 1900
Percentage
Cause of death 1994
Percentage
1
Influenza, pneumonia
11.8%
Heart disease
25.7%
2
Tuberculosis
11.3%
Cancer
20%
3
Gastritis, Enteritis
8.8%
Strokes
6%
4
Heart disease
8.0%
Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease
4.5%
5
Strokes
6.2%
Accidents/trauma
3.4%
All others
All others
Sources: Lerner M. When, why and where people
die. IN: E. Sneiderman, ed. Death, Current Perspectives. 1976, Mayfield:
Palo Alto.
Deaths: Preliminary Data for 2000, vol. 49. 2001, National Center for Health
Statistics.
In the early 1900s, average life expectancy was around 50 years of age. Childhood
mortality was high due to lack of antibiotics to treat infections. Only a
few people lived to the ages that we regard as normal today (Buckman).
Owing to the lack of antibiotics and other advanced biomedical interventions,
the focus was directed on alleviating illness related suffering and provision
of comfort.
Death and Dying Today
Antibiotics were introduced in the mid-19th century. The defibrillator was
first introduced in 1953, when a dog named Knowsy (because he knew what was
on the "other side") was successfully resuscitated (Kouwenhoven).
Improved sanitation, concerted efforts in public health, the development of
advanced medical interventions has continued to increase life expectancies.
Biomedicine in its efforts to conquer death has failed but has succeeded in
postponing death and prolonging life with chronic illness.
