Mortality increases in Spain: heart diseases and tumors are the main causes.

During the first half of 2024, mortality in Spain has followed a concerning trend, solidifying heart diseases as the leading cause of death in the country. According to data published this Tuesday by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), of the 223,278 people who lost their lives between January and June, a significant percentage was due to conditions related to the circulatory system and tumors, once again highlighting the challenges facing the Spanish healthcare system. Ischemic heart diseases ranked as the most common cause of death, with 13,656 fatalities, closely followed by cerebrovascular diseases, which caused the deaths of 11,675 people. This alarming figure underscores a reality that affects a substantial part of the Spanish population. Although the total number of deaths has decreased compared to the same period last year, the prevalence of these diseases reminds us of the need to implement more effective prevention policies. Regarding tumors, concerning figures were observed, especially in the case of bronchial and lung cancer, which saw an increase in deaths, reaching 11,677. Other types of cancer, such as colon cancer, also remained at high figures. However, it is important to note that the decrease in deaths from certain types of cancer in regions like the Community of Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha suggests that efforts in early detection and treatment are beginning to bear fruit. It is interesting to highlight that, while respiratory diseases showed a 12% increase in deaths, deaths from infectious causes, including COVID-19, have drastically decreased. The 26.8% reduction in virus-related deaths has led to COVID-19 no longer being among the top 15 causes of death, a positive sign in the fight against the pandemic. This trend may reflect greater immunity in the population, thanks to vaccination and prior exposure to the virus. Geographical variability in mortality rates is also a key element in this report. Some autonomous communities, such as Navarra and Cantabria, recorded significant increases in deaths, which may be related to socioeconomic factors and the local healthcare system. In contrast, the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla stood out for the reduction in the number of deaths, which could indicate an effective approach to healthcare in those areas. External causes of death have also presented alarming figures. A total of 8,624 fatalities were due to accidents and suicides. The latter, with 72.9% of the deaths corresponding to men, highlights the urgency of addressing mental health in the male population, which often faces stigmas when seeking help. Accidental falls and traffic accidents remain significant concerns that require attention in terms of prevention and education. Despite advances in medicine, mortality from diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's continues to show a worrying increase. Dementia has risen by 4.2% compared to the previous year, while Alzheimer's remained at a high figure of 6,900 deaths. This underscores the need for a more comprehensive approach to elderly care and the management of these chronic diseases, which affect not only patients but also their families and society as a whole. In conclusion, the data from the INE provide a clear view of the challenges facing public health in Spain. Although there are signs of improvement in some areas, such as the decrease in mortality from COVID-19, it is essential to redouble efforts in the prevention of heart diseases and tumors, as well as in mental health care. Collaboration between public administrations, the healthcare sector, and civil society will be crucial to effectively address these issues and ensure a healthier future for the Spanish population.