Cancer remains leading cause of death in Flanders as life expectancy rises
Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Flanders for men and women combined, according to an analysis of 2023 mortality figures by the Department of Care. Overall mortality has fallen compared with 2022, and life expectancy continues to rise.
Cancer has been the top cause of death in Flanders since 2018, although the number of cancer-related deaths is gradually declining. The sharpest decrease, however, is seen in cardiovascular diseases, which historically accounted for the most deaths but have now fallen significantly.
In 2023, Flanders recorded 63,941 deaths. When adjusted for an ageing population, this represents the lowest mortality level in the past decade. The report also notes that mortality remains markedly higher among men than among women.
Rise in life expectancy
Life expectancy increased again in 2023: boys born that year are expected to live 81.4 years, while girls have a life expectancy of 85.1 years. The total number of years of life lost due to premature death is 1.6 times higher for men than for women, with cancer and cardiovascular disease being the principal contributors.
The analysis also points to differences between men and women in the place of death. Among men, 47 per cent of deaths occurred in hospitals. For women, the highest proportion at 41 per cent, took place in residential care facilities, reflecting the growing share of older women in the population.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO PRESS ASSOCIATION
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