4 February marks World Cancer Day, an annual initiative aimed at raising awareness about cancer prevention, research, and treatment. The occasion comes as the Ministry of Health released its 2023 mortality figures, revealing that tumours remain the leading cause of death in the Grand Duchy, surpassing circulatory and respiratory diseases.
Among men, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, followed by prostate, pancreatic, and liver or intrahepatic bile duct cancers. In women, breast cancer is the most common cause, with lung and pancreatic cancers ranking next.
In collaboration with the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), the National Health Directorate launched the third European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) in January. The survey aims to assess the health status of Luxembourg residents and will involve sending questionnaires to approximately 18,000 individuals. Participation is voluntary and anonymous, with the collected data intended to inform future health policy decisions.
In a press release, the Ministry of Health emphasised the importance of preventive measures, particularly adopting a healthy lifestyle. Vaccination and regular screening were also highlighted as key strategies in reducing cancer risks and improving public health outcomes.
