Recent data published by the Department of Health (Cancer Statistics in Catalonia 2024) confirm that cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality. Although Barcelona leads the list of incidence and mortality, Tarragona holds the second position, with figures that highlight the urgency of reinforcing prevention policies.
During 2024, the Tarragona region registered 2,739 cases in men and 1,974 in women. In men, prostate cancer is the most common with 551 cases, followed by colon (487) and trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer (431). For women, breast cancer tops the list with 577 cases, followed by colon cancer (287).
“"Detecting cancer early is key to successful treatment. It is important to participate in screening programs, especially for colorectal and breast cancer, where early detection can make the difference."
Regarding mortality, 1,117 deaths were registered in men and 731 in women in Tarragona. Lung cancer is the most lethal in men (291 deaths), followed by colon (150) and prostate (99). In women, breast cancer causes the most deaths (112), followed by colon (102) and lung (97).
This data confirms the relevance of early detection strategies, as early identification can reduce mortality by up to 90% in cases of colorectal cancer and between 25% and 31% in breast cancer. Barcelona recorded 31,322 total cases, while Girona and Lleida presented significantly lower figures.
