According to the latest data published by the Department of Health, which compiles cancer statistics in Catalonia for 2024, the disease remains one of the leading causes of death. Although Barcelona leads the list in incidence and mortality, the Tarragona demarcation holds the second position, with figures that highlight the urgent need to strengthen prevention and early detection policies.
During 2024, the incidence in Tarragona was 2,739 cases in men and 1,974 in women. Regarding mortality, 1,117 deaths were registered among men and 731 among women. The most common types of cancer are prostate (551 cases) in men, followed by colon (487) and lung (431). Among women, breast cancer tops the list with 577 cases, followed by colon (287) and lung (138).
“"Detecting cancer early is key to successful treatment. We must insist on the importance of participating in screening programs and following health recommendations."
Regarding lethality, among men, lung cancer is the deadliest with 291 deaths, followed by colon (150) and prostate (99). In women, breast cancer causes the most deaths (112), closely followed by colon (102) and lung (97). This data reinforces the importance of early detection, which can reduce mortality by up to 90% in colorectal cancer cases and between 25% and 31% in breast cancer.
