What are the causes of death in France in 2022?

The causes of death in France in 2022 reveal an increase in respiratory diseases and accidents, while tumors and cardio-neurovascular diseases remain major public health issues.

In 2022France recorded 673,190 deathsa figure which illustrates a slight increase compared to 2021. This increase is partly explained by the aging of the population, but also by the evolution of pathologies and health conditions. With a decline in Covid-19other diseases, including respiratory diseaseshave seen their impact increase. Here is a detailed analysis of the main causes of death, supported by scientific data.

What are the causes of death in France in 2022?

Here is a table based on data of the main causes of death in France in 2022, according to the report of the DREES (October 2024).

These figures reflect the trends observed in France in 2022, where tumors, cardio-neurovascular diseases and respiratory diseases remain dominant causes of mortality, with particular attention to the impact of Covid-19 and accidents.

Cancers: a major cause of death in France

THE tumors remain the leading cause of death in France, representing 25,5 % deaths in 2022, i.e. approximately 171,630 deaths. Among the most common cancers, we find lung cancerresponsible for 30,896 deathseither 18 % deaths from tumors. Tumors of colonof bea you pancreas are also at the top of the causes of cancer-related mortality. However, the standardized mortality rate for these diseases has tended to decline for several years, particularly among men, thanks to progress in treatments and early detection campaigns.

Cardio-neurovascular diseases: a health burden

THE maladies cardio-neurovasculairesbringing together pathologies such asheart attack of the myocardium and cerebrovascular accidents (CVA)caused 140,173 deaths in 2022, i.e. 20,8 % of total deaths. This figure reflects a moderate increase compared to the previous year, particularly among those over 85 answhich represent 25,8 % victims of these pathologies.

These diseases remain a challenge for the health system, particularly due to the impact of aging of the population and the persistence of risk factors such ashypertensionthe diabetes and the smoking. Efforts in terms of prevention, in particular the promotion of healthy eating and a regular physical activityare necessary to reduce this health burden.

Covid-19: an encouraging decline, but be careful of slackening

After two years marked by a high mortality linked to Covid-192022 saw a notable decline in deaths attributed to this virus. The number of victims of Covid-19 went to 41,291 deathseither 6,1 % of total deaths, down sharply compared to 2021. This is explained by the wide vaccination coverage (next to 90 % of the population) and better management of serious forms of the disease.

However, the epidemic peaks linked to Covid-19, combined with those of the seasonal flucontinued to put healthcare establishments to the test. According to projections, maintaining strategies of vaccination and of prevention of respiratory infections is essential to control these epidemic peaks in the future.

Respiratory diseases: a comeback worrying causes of death in France in 2022

In 2022, the respiratory system diseases have caused 45,071 deathsmarking an increase in 24 % compared to 2021. These are mainly elderly people, often affected by chronic respiratory pathologies like the pneumonia or the chronic bronchitis. Mortality linked to these diseases amounts to 59.4 deaths per 100,000 inhabitantsa figure close to the levels observed before the Covid-19 pandemic. This increase is explained by the multiplication of respiratory virusesnotably the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)and by waves of seasonal flu intense in spring and winter 2022.

The impact of these diseases highlights the importance of flu vaccination campaigns and better prevention among populations at risk, particularly the elderly.

External causes and accidents: a worrying increase

THE accidents and other external causes caused 44,800 deaths in 2022, representing 6,7 % deaths. Accidents, particularly accidental falls among the elderly, constitute a large part of these deaths, particularly among people of 85 years or older. The mortality rate due to accidents in this age group reached 727 deaths per 100,000 inhabitantswhich represents a notable increase compared to the previous year.

Measurements of fall prevention and of securing domestic environments are essential to protect this vulnerable population. Deaths by suicide also remain a public health problem, with a rate of 14.2 deaths per 100,000 inhabitantsup slightly among young adults and seniors.

Prevention and treatment: progress but still challenges

A key statistic for 2022 concerns the preventable mortality. According to data from the DREES, 135.3 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants could have been avoided thanks to better prevention (vaccination, healthier lifestyles) and 60.8 deaths thanks to effective treatments. Risky behaviors such as smoking and thealcoholism remain aggravating factors, particularly among men, who are more often victims of preventable diseases.

This reality calls for strengthening policies public health focused on the prevention and to invest more inimproving access to care to prevent avoidable deaths.

Public health under surveillance

The year 2022 was marked by a stabilization of certain causes of death, such as tumors and cardio-neurovascular diseases, but also by a worrying increase in respiratory diseases and accidents. The preventable mortality remains a major issue, highlighting the importance of prevention policies and effective health care. In the future, it will be crucial to continue to fight against risky behaviors and improve theaccess to careparticularly for the most vulnerable populations.

Sources :

DREESStudies and Results n°1312, October 2024​

Public health France, BEH, 2024​