Cancer and cardiovascular diseases remain the leading causes of death in France, together accounting for nearly half of all mortality, according to the latest data from Santé publique France and the INSEE. While the overall mortality rate has reached a historic low of 777.9 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, these two pathologies continue to drive the majority of fatalities, despite long-term downward trends in age-standardized mortality rates.
What are the primary causes of death in France?
Cancer (tumors) and circulatory diseases are the dominant drivers of mortality. According to the DREES (Directorate for Research, Studies, Evaluation and Statistics), tumors represent approximately 27.1% of deaths, while cardiovascular and neurovascular conditions account for 21.2%.
Public health researchers highlight a divergent trend within these categories. While overall cancer mortality is declining, specific cancers—notably pancreatic cancer—show rising trends. Additionally, lung and tracheal cancers continue to rise among women, a shift that public health officials attribute to historical patterns in tobacco consumption.
How does current mortality compare to pre-pandemic levels?
Although the crude mortality rate has dropped, Santé publique France emphasizes that current figures remain higher than the projections based on 2012–2019 trends. The period between 2012 and 2019 serves as the standard baseline for "expected" mortality before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare delivery and population health.
The pandemic caused a sharp spike in early 2020, followed by fluctuating rates. Current data suggests that while the impact of COVID-19 on annual mortality statistics is diminishing, the health system is still grappling with the "catch-up" effect of delayed diagnoses and the ongoing management of chronic conditions that were exacerbated during the pandemic years.
Why are respiratory disease deaths increasing?
Deaths attributed to respiratory diseases, excluding COVID-19, have risen to 8.2% of total mortality. Researchers from Inserm link this progression to the severity and early onset of recent influenza seasons.
The 2024–2025 winter season was marked by a particularly aggressive flu epidemic that peaked in mid-January 2025. This early peak placed significant pressure on emergency departments and hospital capacity, disproportionately affecting elderly populations and individuals with pre-existing respiratory vulnerabilities.
What do early trends suggest for 2025?
Preliminary data for 2025 indicates that the downward trajectory for cardiovascular and tumor-related deaths is likely to persist. However, these projections remain subject to methodological adjustments as final death certificates are processed.
Key Mortality Statistics
| Cause of Death | Percentage of Total Mortality |
|---|---|
| Tumors (Cancers) | 27.1% |
| Circulatory Diseases | 21.2% |
| Respiratory Diseases | 8.2% |
Note: Data reflects reporting from combined French health research agencies including Santé publique France, Inserm, and DREES.
Despite the decline in age-standardized mortality, the aging French population suggests that the absolute number of deaths will remain high. Medical experts continue to focus on early screening—particularly for lung and colorectal cancers—as the most effective strategy to further reduce the burden of these leading causes of death.
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