-13}- during the above stated period for an average of 42.3 cancer deaths per year. - The cancer mortality rate per 100,000 population for the period was 38.4. In comparison, the United States cancer mortality rate for 1975 was 170.5 per 100,000 population. The average age of death from cancer was 59.6 years. In comparison with cancer rates in the United States, American Samoa and Guam, a Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands' citizen has alower risk of dying of cancer. For example, a TIPI citizen has a 79% less likely chance of dying of cancer than a United States citizen, and 18% less likely chance of death by cancer than a Guamanian. (See Table Y-6 OBJECTIVE: ). MAINTAIN CANCER MORTALITY RATES AT 36/100,000 POPULATION. HEART DISEASES Diseases of the heart is the third leading cause of death in the TTPL. The number of deaths attributed to heart disease for the period of 1975-1976 averaged 36 deaths per year. (Table V-6). Yearly incidence of death by heart disease seems to be declining, however, the disease is stil] a major concern of Nicronesia since this disease is usually most prevalent in industrialized nations. Micronesia is a developing country and must remain vigilant of health trends of advanced nations. IGOS TUS The mortality rate of heart disease for persons