Cancers remain the leading cause of death in Macau

Cancer remains Macau’s top killer, accounting for nearly 40% of all deaths in 2024, far ahead of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, according to the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC).

In 2024, 944 people died from cancer, the majority of whom were men (564). Still, the incidence of cancer in women is also high, with cancer considered the leading cause of death for 380 women.

Contrary to the worldwide trend, which identifies cardiovascular diseases as the leading cause of death, in Macau, these rank second, with a substantial gap.

DSEC’s annual report, “Macao in Figures 2025,” also shows that neoplasms were the leading underlying cause of death in 2024, accounting for 38.1% of all deaths. Cardiovascular diseases followed with 24%, and respiratory diseases ranked third at 15%.

Among the three types, only cancer showed an increase compared to 2023 (from 29.6% to 38.1%), while cardiovascular diseases fell from 27.4% in 2023 to 24% in 2024, and respiratory diseases decreased from 16.8% in 2023 to 15% in 2024.

Official statistics show that cardiovascular diseases accounted for 595 deaths last year, with men topping the group (340), compared with 255 women.

The only condition showing a balanced gender distribution was diseases of the urogenital system, which claimed the lives of 40 men and 39 women last year.

According to the Macau Anti-Cancer Association, the incidence of cancer in the local population is primarily due to Macau’s demography, with the region expected to reach “super-aged society” status by 2029.

According to the United Nations (UN), a “super-aged society” is a designation used when at least 20% of the population is 65 or older.
Projections indicate that the elderly population is expected to reach approximately 21.4% by 2029, representing a significant increase of 10.5% from 2019.

Contributing to this is Macau’s long life expectancy (84.2 years in 2021) and one of the lowest fertility rates in the world (0.68 births per woman).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in every four men aged 69 to 79 has or is likely to develop some form of cancer, with the incidence currently even higher among women (1 in 3).

DSEC also reported in their statistical review that 1,197 individuals were hospitalized in 2024 due to oncological diseases, totaling 11,716 inpatient bed days. Oncological patients also accounted for 71,545 outpatient consultations.

20-year data analysis

reports growth

Data made available by the Health Bureau (SSM) for the 20 years ending in 2022 show that the incidence of cancer in the local population more than doubled, from 1,103 cases in 2003 to 2,492 in 2022.
The trendline is particularly steep over the last 10 years, during which the number of cases increased by 55.75% (from 1,600 to almost 2,500).

SSM calls for

prevention

Considering the reality, the SSM has been advocating for early detection through screening for cancers with higher incidence.

Among them are colorectal cancer and cervical cancer, the latter of which the WHO designated November 17, 2025, as the first World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, following the adoption of resolutions urging countries to work toward eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem in 2020.

Aiming to continue raising awareness and encourage public action in preventing cervical cancer and achieve the WHO goal of eliminating the disease by 2030, the SSM is organizing a public activity simultaneously at 11 locations across Macau, Taipa, and Coloane on November 22 and 23 (Saturday and Sunday).

From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., on-site health consultations, interactive games, and information panels on regular cervical and breast cancer screenings will be available, along with mental health awareness initiatives.

For early detection and prevention, female residents aged 21 to 65 who are sexually active but asymptomatic are advised to schedule a free screening at institutions such as the Women’s Medical Center of the Macao Women’s General Association, the Macao Federation of Trade Unions Workers’ Clinic, or the Son Vo Medical Center of the Macao Chinese New Youth Association.

They can also participate in the cervical cancer screening program through the “Cancer Screening Appointment” feature of “My Health” on the Macao One Account mobile application.