New research from Navarra underscores a notable decline in cancer mortality over the past decade, with rates dropping in both men and women amid shifting risk factors and strong public health initiatives. As the region observes World Cancer Day, officials highlight the importance of continued prevention efforts and access to specialized care, emphasizing the complex challenges posed by gender disparities and lifestyle influences.
Pamplona
Cancer mortality rates in the Navarra region of Spain have declined over the past decade, with significant differences observed between men and women, according to data released by the Public Health and Labor Institute of Navarra (ISPLN). These trends highlight the complex interplay of risk factors and the importance of ongoing public health initiatives.
El código iframe se ha copiado en el portapapeles
Las noticias de Navarra a las 11:03
00:00:0002:12
Data from the Navarra Cancer and Mortality Registries show that the age-adjusted cancer mortality rate decreased by 18% in men and 13% in women over the last ten years. Meanwhile, the risk of developing cancer has decreased by 8.8% in men but increased by 4.6% in women during the same period. The Navarra Department of Health highlighted these findings in recognition of World Cancer Day, observed on February 4th.
In 2025, an estimated 4,271 new cancer cases were diagnosed (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer), with 1,834 occurring in women and 2,437 in men. This represents an increase of 574 cases compared to 2015, which officials say will likely increase demand for cancer care services.
The most frequently diagnosed cancers in men in 2025 were prostate (529 cases), lung (351), colorectal (344), and bladder (142), accounting for 56% of all male cancer diagnoses. Among women, breast cancer was the most common (506 cases), followed by colorectal (203), lung (169), and uterine body (111) cancers, collectively representing 54% of female cancer diagnoses.
Why the Divergence in Cancer Rates Between Men and Women?
Table of Contents
The Navarra Cancer Registry indicates that the risk of developing cancer is decreasing at a rate of 0.6% per year in men, while increasing at the same rate in women. This contrasting trend is largely attributed to cancers associated with tobacco use.
Researchers explain that this difference stems from historical patterns of tobacco consumption, with men starting to smoke earlier and initiating cessation efforts sooner, leading to a decline in risk. Specifically, lung cancer and other tobacco-related cancers, such as those of the oral cavity, pharynx, and pancreas, have increased in incidence among women, both younger and older than 65.
Data from Spain also show a significant increase in lung cancer among women over the last decade, rising from 26 to 40 per 100,000 people – a change similar to that observed in Navarra, which went from 29 to 43 per 100,000.
Despite higher overall rates of tobacco-related cancers in men, researchers observed decreases of 8% in lung cancer, 15% in esophageal cancer, 16% in bladder cancer, and 25% in both laryngeal and oral/pharyngeal cancers among men.
Additionally, over the past decade, the incidence of breast cancer has increased by approximately 1% per year in women both younger and older than 65, consistent with trends observed in Spain and other European countries. The incidence of prostate cancer decreased by 1.5% annually in men over 65, while remaining stable in younger men.
Other cancers have also shown decreasing incidence rates in both sexes. Colorectal cancer decreased by 26% over the last decade, a result attributed to the positive impact of Navarra’s Early Detection Program, launched in 2014. The incidence of stomach cancer continues to decline, following previous trends.
The Mortality Registry recorded 1,630 cancer-related deaths in the Navarra region in 2024 (956 men and 674 women). These deaths represent 27% of all deaths, 31% in men and 23% in women. Cancer is also a significant cause of premature death, accounting for 49% of deaths in individuals under 75.
Over the last decade, men have experienced significant declines in mortality rates for various cancer types, including lung (19%), brain (23%), colorectal (24%), bladder (25%), leukemia (27%), esophagus (29%), larynx (29%), and prostate (30%). Women have also seen decreased mortality rates for colorectal (29%), brain (31%), and uterine body (39%) cancers, among others. Notably, mortality rates for breast cancer have not increased.
However, a concerning trend for women is the increase in mortality rates for cancers associated with tobacco use: lung cancer (34%), oral cavity and pharynx (20%), and pancreas (20%). In absolute numbers, 112 deaths from lung cancer were recorded in the female population in 2024, compared to 66 in 2014.
Lung cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women, accounting for a total of 357 deaths. In 80% of these cases, smoking was a contributing factor.
Four in Ten Cancer Cases are Preventable
Experts emphasize that the risk of developing cancer increases with age. In the Navarra region, the estimated risk between birth and age 50 is around 3% in men and 5% in women, increasing to 44% in men and 32% in women between birth and age 85. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle is associated with a substantial reduction in this risk.
Studies estimate that around 40% of cancer cases could be prevented. Therefore, officials say, promoting health and preventing these diseases is crucial. The European Code Against Cancer recommends several individual steps to reduce cancer risk, including not smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, eating a healthy diet, protecting oneself from the sun, promoting breastfeeding for as long as possible, and participating in cancer screening programs for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers.
In terms of care, the Medical Oncology Service at the University Hospital of Navarra (HUN) provided first visits to a total of 1,977 patients and 233 at the Medical Oncology Unit of Reina SofÃa Hospital in Tudela in 2025. The Medical Oncology Service at HUN administered 30,225 treatments, with 2,703 patients currently undergoing treatment.
The Medical Oncology Unit at Reina SofÃa Hospital in Tudela administered 4,005 treatments to 353 patients in treatment.
Additionally, in 2025, the Radiotherapy Oncology Service administered 24,036 radiotherapy treatments to 1,573 patients. Another 290 patients received stereotactic radiotherapy (a total of 1,549 treatments). Finally, 505 patients received a total of 659 brachytherapy implants. The Radiotherapy Oncology Service at HUN conducted a total of 1,435 first visits in 2025.
