According to the 2024 Cancer Statistics in Catalonia published by the Department of Health, the Tarragona demarcation ranks second in Catalonia for the highest incidence and mortality rates for cancer in both men and women, surpassed only by Barcelona. During 2024, 1,974 incidence cases and 731 deaths were recorded among women, while men saw an incidence of 2,739 and mortality of 1,117.
“"It is fundamental to remind citizens of the importance of following screenings, as it is estimated that up to 90% of colon and rectal cancer cases could be cured if detected early."
Given these figures, the Tarragona College of Nurses (CODITA) has warned of the need to reinforce the early detection of these pathologies. Gerard Mora, secretary of CODITA, stressed that identifying cancer in initial stages "significantly" increases the chances of success and can reduce breast cancer mortality by between 25% and 31%.
Regarding cancer types in Tarragona, prostate cancer is the most incident among men with 551 cases, followed by colon (487) and trachea, bronchi, and lung (431). Among women, breast cancer is the most common with 577 cases, followed by colon (287). This incidence trend is consistent across the other Catalan provinces, including Girona and Lleida.
Concerning mortality, lung cancer is the deadliest among men in the demarcation with 291 deaths, followed by colon (150). Among women, breast cancer caused 112 deaths, closely followed by colon cancer (102) and lung cancer (97).
