What do Spaniards die from? Find about the main causes of death in Spain. We provide you with a complete analysis to help you reflect on your own life and become aware of the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.
Main causes of death in Spain
The main causes of death in Spain are related to certain types of diseases. Here are some of the conclusions we can draw from recent data.
Cardiovascular diseases: the silent enemy
The leading cause of death in Spain is circulatory system diseases which account for more than 27% of the deaths registered in the first half of 2023, according to INE data.
Cancer: a constant battle
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Spain. Almost 26% of deaths in the first half of 2023 were attributable to this disease. It can manifest itself in different ways and has not stopped growing as a factor in mortality since the 1980s.
Chronic respiratory diseases: a growing problem
In third place in the ranking of the leading causes of death in Spain are chronic respiratory diseases. In the first six months of 2023 they were responsible for a total of 11.5% of the deaths registered in our country. Interestingly, this disease had been on a downward trend but, after registering a record low, it increased again from 2022 and is now the third leading cause of death in Spain.
Leading cause of death by age group
If we look at the causes of death in Spain by age group, different conclusions can be drawn depending on the age group in question.
Infant and child mortality
The main causes of death in Spain during infancy are congenital malformations, deformities and chromosomal anomalies. Malignant tumours and diseases of the nervous system must also be added to these, according to the most recent data from the Ministry of Health, which are taken from 2020.
However, it should be noted that every year the infant mortality rate in Spain is reduced thanks to prevention and advances in medicine. This places us below the European average which is good news.
Mortality risks in adolescence
The main causes of death in adolescents in Spain are accidents, suicides or self-inflicted injuries, in other words, external causes or causes that have nothing to do with a previous illness or pathology.
These figures are worrying because they relate to mental health during adolescence and focus on problems such as violence, school bullying or cyberbullying as risk factors.
Causes of death in young adults
The main cause of death among young adults is external, with suicide again as the main factor. Tumours were also one of the main causes of death in this age group in recent years.
Leading cause of death in adults
Cancer and diseases of the circulatory system were the most frequent causes of death in Spain among adults. This highlights just how important it is to have a healthy lifestyle. Doing sport, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet and avoiding habits such as smoking are fundamental.
Mortality in the elderly
In the elderly, the main causes of death in Spain are circulatory diseases and cancer, in that order, although while the former seems to be on a downward trajectory in this age group, the latter follows the opposite path.
Main causes of unnatural deaths in Spain
What do Spaniards die of when their death is not due to natural causes? Let us analyse the main causes of non-natural death in Spain, in other words, external causes.
Road traffic accidents: a worrying reality
Traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of unnatural death in our country and, as we have seen, one of the main causes in young adults. That is why it is so important to carry out safe driving campaigns.
Suicide: a public health problem
Suicide is the leading cause of death due to external factors in our country. In fact, it is the fourth leading cause of death in Spain, after the aforementioned cardiovascular diseases, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases.
Other unnatural causes of death
In addition to traffic accidents, which we have already mentioned, other accidental deaths are also common among the external causes of death in Spain, such as falls or drowning. There are also other causes such as accidental poisoning (by psychotropic drugs or illegal drugs) or assault and murder.
No one is exempt from any of these risks and it is very important to know about the necessary steps that must be taken after the death of a loved one, as it can sometimes happen unexpectedly.
