Cancer state’s leading cause of death

SEATTLE – Cancer is the leading cause of death in Washington state, health officials said, taking the lead over heart disease for the first time.

The state Department of Health recently published its 2004 vital statistics, which showed 10,968 people died from cancer, compared to 10,626 from heart disease.

Officials said a statewide drop in smoking was likely responsible.

The number of adult smokers has dropped by 21 percent since 2000.

The health department said the state’s smoking rate is 17.8 percent, the fifth-lowest in the country.

“When you stop smoking, you decrease the risk in heart disease,” said Joe Campo, department director of research services.