Suicide No1 cause of death for young adults
26 July 2005
The leading cause of death among young adults in China is suicide, state media reported, citing health officials who blamed pressures to succeed in work, education and love. The annual suicide toll is estimated at 250,000 people a year in one of the world's fastest-changing societies, and another 2.5m-3.5m attempt to take their own lives annually. Health officials said suicide is the fifth cause of death after lung cancer, traffic accidents, heart disease and other illnesses. It is most prevalent among young educated city dwellers and rural women.