AIDS is the
third-highest cause of death for New York City residents

Although AIDS deaths in New York City have dropped 80% from a peak level in 1994, AIDS remains the third-highest cause of death for New York City residents under age 65, according to data released Thursday by the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. AIDS deaths decreased in the city by 12% in 2004, with 1,451 AIDS deaths reported in the city, according to the data. For all age groups, heart disease was the city's top killer in 2004, followed by cancer. Breast cancer was the number 2 cancer killer in the city in 2004. (Advocate.com)