Cancer holds grim top spot in Spain’s mortality figures for 2024

Cancer remains Spain’s leading cause of death in 2024

by Lorraine Williamson
Cancer leading cause Spain

Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE) has published its latest mortality report, confirming that cancer is the leading cause in Spain for the second consecutive year. Despite a slight overall decline in national deaths—down 0.6% compared to 2023—more than one in four fatalities were cancer-related.

Out of 433,547 deaths recorded in 2024, nearly 96% were due to natural causes. Cancer accounted for 26.6% of these, narrowly surpassing cardiovascular disease, which followed at 26.1%. However, while heart-related deaths declined by 2.4%, cancer mortality figures remained largely unchanged.

Lung and colon cancers top the list

Among cancer-related deaths, lung cancer continues to be the most deadly. In 2024, 23,239 people lost their lives to bronchial or lung cancer—a 1.9% rise compared to the previous year. Colorectal cancer claimed 10,434 lives, marking a significant 4.6% decrease.

This enduring prevalence of lung cancer mirrors wider trends across Europe, where smoking and air pollution remain persistent contributors.

Heart disease still kills in high numbers

Within cardiovascular conditions, ischaemic heart disease remains the deadliest, causing 26,851 deaths. This group of disorders, typically linked to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, continues to be a major health concern—though prevention campaigns and early detection may be contributing to its gradual decline.

Gender divide in leading causes

Men and women in Spain continue to die from markedly different causes. For men, ischaemic heart disease (16,892 deaths) and lung cancer (16,560 deaths) top the list. Stroke also remains a significant killer.

In contrast, women are more likely to die from dementia, which claimed 14,769 lives in 2024, followed closely by strokes and heart failure. Dementia, notably more prevalent in older women, continues its slow and steady rise.

Suicides drop—but remain high among men

One notable positive trend was the drop in suicide rates. A total of 3,846 people took their own lives in 2024—6.6% fewer than in 2023. Yet the figures remain sobering, particularly for men, who accounted for nearly three-quarters (2,834) of those deaths.

In contrast, women are more frequently victims of accidental deaths, particularly from falls (2,038 deaths) and drowning (1,736 deaths).

Some causes of death on the rise

While the general trend was downward, certain causes of death are climbing. Kidney failure saw a worrying 10.3% increase in mortality, while deaths from pneumonia rose 7.7%. Dementia-related deaths also climbed by 3.7%, with women making up the majority of those cases.

This increase may reflect an ageing population and delayed access to preventive or palliative care in some regions.

Striking regional differences

The report also highlights striking regional disparities. Cancer-related deaths surged in Ceuta (+10.2%), Navarre, and Asturias, while falling in Aragon, Galicia, and La Rioja. Respiratory disease fatalities jumped significantly in La Rioja (+44.2%).

Meanwhile, cardiovascular deaths rose in the Balearic Islands (+9.2%) and Galicia, but dropped considerably in the Canary Islands and Melilla.

What the numbers reveal about Spain’s health landscape

The 2024 mortality data reflects long-standing health challenges in Spain—cancer’s unyielding grip, an ageing population, and persistent gender and regional health inequalities. Although overall deaths have fallen slightly, the rising toll from certain illnesses, coupled with stubbornly high suicide rates among men, shows there is still much work to be done.

As Spain continues to improve healthcare access and prevention, tackling cancer and mental health must remain key national priorities.

Increasing cancer cases expected in Spain

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