According to new figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS), cancer is the leading cause of death in the Netherlands. Last year, more than 150.000 people passed away in the Netherlands. Roughly 31 percent (46.532) died of cancer, whilst 25 percent (38.119) died of a cardiovascular disease.

More men than women

There is a slight difference in percentages when it comes to gender. In the Netherlands, more men died of cancer than women, states CBS. In 2017, 35 percent of men died of cancer, compared to 27 percent of women.

However, more women (17 percent) died of neurological disorders, such as dementia, than men (11 percent).

Differences leading cause of death per age group

The leading cause of death varies greatly per age group:

• Age >1 year: infections and pulmonary problems 
• Age 1-15: cancer or unnatural causes 
• Age 15-30: unnatural causes, such as accidents and suicide 
• Age 30-80: cancer
• Age 80+: cardiovascular diseases  

Causes of death in 2017

Here are the leading causes of death in 2017 in the Netherlands:

• Cancer: 46.532
• Cardiovascular diseases: 38.119
• Neurological disorders: 21.057
• Lung diseases: 12.952
• Unnatural causes: 7.967
• Digestive system diseases: 4.473
• Other: 19.112

Source: CBS.nl