Leading cause of death in the Netherlands is cancer

By Manja van Kesteren

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

Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy
follow us for regular updates:

Manja van Kesteren

Managing Editor at IamExpat Media

Managing Editor at IamExpat Media. Manja studied English and Creative & Professional Writing at the University of Wolverhampton in the UK. She has been working as a content editor and SEO copywriter since 2007, in both the English and Dutch language. As any writer should, she is VERY passionate about books, as well as arts and crafts, Netflix, metal music, cheese, and her silly guinea pigs.Read more

For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.