Cancer Deaths
CANCER DEATHS
Cancer is set to become the leading cause of death in Europe, although recent data indicate a stabilization in mortality trends.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Europe, accounting for 23% of all deaths. However, it is already the leading cause of death in several Northwestern European countries and was previously projected to be the top cause of death in the EU by 2035.
Among those under 65, cancer is the leading cause of death, responsible for 32% of all deaths in 2022. This emphasizes the urgent need for continued efforts in prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Encouragingly, 12 countries experienced a decline in cancer deaths per 100,000 inhabitants between 1995 and 2022, signaling a turning point in the fight against cancer. Overall, cancer deaths in Europe have stabilized at around 1.3-1.4 million annually since 2008.
In line with incidence, cancer mortality has also increased between 1995 and 2022 although at a slower pace. For some countries cancer mortality rates are even declining. For instance, Luxembourg’s cancer mortality rate fell from 251 to 161 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, representing a 36% decrease.