Cancers, leading cause of death
Unsurprisingly, the cancers are the leading cause of death in France in 2022, representing 25.5% of deaths. This category includes different forms of malignant tumors, such as lung cancer, breast cancer or colon cancer. Although the cancer mortality is decreasing for several years, it has stabilized among women.
Who is touch ?
People who die from cancer are generally younger than those from other causes of death. There prevention and screening therefore remain crucial to continue to reduce this leading cause of mortality.
| Cause of death | Proportion of deaths in 2022 |
|---|---|
| Cancers (tumors) | 25,5 % |
| Maladies cardio-neurovasculaires | 20,8 % |
| Respiratory diseases | 6,7 % |
| External causes (accidents) | 6,7 % |
| Covid-19 | 5th cause |
Cardio-neurovascular diseases, second major cause
THE maladies cardio-neurovasculairessuch as myocardial infarctionTHE AVC and theheart failureconstitute the second cause of mortality in 2022, representing 20.8% of deaths. These diseases mainly affect older people, especially those over 85.
This figure remains high despite advances in medicine. Prevention, with changes in diet and physical activity, plays an essential role in limiting risks.
Increase in deaths due to to respiratory diseases
Apart from Covid-19, respiratory diseases saw a marked increase, with 6.7% of deaths in 2022. This figure is partly attributable to flu epidemics and other respiratory viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus. These deaths mainly affect the elderly, with a majority of victims being over 86 years old.
This post-Covid recovery shows that, despite the pandemic easing, traditional respiratory diseases remain a threat to public health.
The decline of Covid-19, but still a threat
After having strongly marked the years 2020 and 2021, mortality linked to Covid-19 declined sharply in 2022, with a drop of almost a third. This is explained by a increased herd immunity (thanks to vaccination and previous infections) and a less virulence of variants.
Although Covid-19 is no longer the leading cause of death, it remains a concern, particularly for the most vulnerable people. He became the fifth cause of death in 2022, a significant decline which reflects the efforts of the population and health authorities to contain its spread.
A worrying increase in death by accident
THE accidentswhich include falls, road accidents and drownings, accounted for 6.7% of deaths in 2022. An increasing trend compared to previous years, especially among young people and the elderly.
This increase affects all age groups, but it is particularly marked among seniors over 85, mainly because of accidental falls and domestic accidents.
Why this augmentation ?
With the return to normal life after Covid-19 restrictions, road accidents and risky activities have resumed. However, among older people, it is lack of mobility and unsuitable home environments that are the main causes.
Towards a future healthier?
These statistics show that, even if certain causes of death are decreasing, others continue to weigh heavily on mortality in France. The prevention of chronic diseases, the reduction of accident risks and the fight against respiratory viruses are all challenges to be taken up for the future.
To better protect your health, here are some tips:
- Regular screening cancers and medical follow-up
- Balanced diet to prevent cardiovascular disease
- Vaccination against seasonal viruses like the flu
- Secure arrangements in the home to prevent falls among the elderly
Adopting these practices can help you reduce your risk of being included in these statistics.
