Cancer The Leading Cause Of Death In Guernsey

Cancers account for one third of all deaths, while suicide rates in 2021 were proportionately higher than in Jersey and the UK.

The  latest Mortality Report shows there were 1,735 deaths registered in Guernsey and Alderney in the 2019–21 period.

This is close to the 20-year average and split almost evenly between the genders - 862 females and 873 males, although males made up 62% of avoidable deaths.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Guernsey and Alderney, with 33% of deaths attributed to the disease, referred to as neoplasms.

Causes of death are categorised and coded according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.

Neoplasms are abnormal growth of tissue that may or may not be cancerous

Suicide numbers peaked in 2021, at 11, and were higher proportionately than in Jersey or the UK.

Number of deaths due to Suicide or Injury of Undetermined Intent (Average per Year)

Heart disease remains the second highest cause of mortality, while Alzheimer's deaths have doubled over the 20-year period.

Head of Public Health Intelligence, Jenny Cataroche, says this data will impact how health care is provided in the future:

"By setting out the data and looking at how mortality experience varies between groups of people, we can potentially identify areas of inequality that need more attention, or pick up trends in causes of death that are new for the population.

One example of this is a notable difference in avoidable mortality between males and females, with males making up 62% of avoidable deaths during 2019–21.

Knowing that this inequality exists means that further questions can be asked to explore the underlying reasons. Are men seeking treatment promptly for health issues as they arise? Are there barriers that are preventing men accessing healthcare when the need it? Is enough being done to promote screening services to men and enable the types of behaviours and activities that prevent diseases occurring in the first place?"

Public Health says that life expectancy in Guernsey is high, but years spent living a healthy life are mid range compared to England and Wales, with men experiencing better health for longer.