[yen223]

My totally unscientific pet theory is that if you somehow managed to survive long enough, eventually you will succumb to cancer or heart disease. So places with high cancer/heart disease rates might simply be places with the best healthcare system!

[cantrevealname]

That's a good observation but right at the top of the chart it says, "DATA AGE-ADJUSTED AND PER 100,000 PERSONS (2010)". If it's adjusted for age, then I think your theory wouldn't apply.

[dzink]

Average lifespan data can help answer that question. My guess is both conditions are preventable if caught early, so a good healthcare system would do a better job at reducing cancer and heart disease deaths than most.