On Wednesday 30 October 2024, Luxembourg’s Institute of Health (LIH) published the results of a study analysing Luxembourg’s cancer-related deaths over a period of 24 years.
The study revealed a significant decrease in cancer mortality in Luxembourg, primarily due to advances in early detection and treatment. The research highlights the importance of continued public health initiatives and tailored healthcare services, particularly in addressing challenges such as those posed by an ageing population.
Luxembourg has experienced notable progress in reducing cancer mortality over the last 24 years, according to the study led by Dr Allini Mafra and Dr Claudine Backes, from the Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Group of the Department of Precision Health in LIH. The research, spanning from 1998 to 2021, analysed nearly 24,000 cancer-related deaths, based on official data from Luxembourg’s National Registry of Death Causes, which is managed by the Epidemiology and Statistical Service of the Luxembourg Health Directorate.
The study provided an in-depth analysis of trends in cancer type, sex and age group, using age-standardised mortality rates (ASR) to track progress.
Key findings show that the overall ASR for all cancers combined has steadily declined by 2.1% per year. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Luxembourg, particularly among men, followed by colorectal and prostate cancer. Among women, breast cancer was the most prevalent cause of cancer-related deaths. However, lung cancer has shown an alarming increase among women above 59 years of age.
"We are witnessing tangible progress in cancer control, thanks to the collective efforts of healthcare professionals, patients, research, and national health strategies," said Dr Backes. “While the decrease in cancer mortality is promising, it is crucial to explore innovative approaches in prevention, early detection and treatment, and to implement findings to achieve lasting improvements in the fight against cancer.”
"The decrease in cancer mortality rates is encouraging, but we cannot overlook the challenges posed by our ageing population," added Dr Mafra. "These factors will require sustained public health efforts and policy interventions to ensure that we continue to reduce cancer mortality in Luxembourg."
The study underscores the importance of early detection and advances in treatment as primary drivers of this improvement, reinforcing the value of continued public health efforts like targeted cancer screening and awareness campaigns. These findings contribute valuable insights for policymakers to strengthen Luxembourg’s National Cancer Plan and to support cancer control measures aimed at reducing the cancer rate in the population.
The study was published in the international Journal of Cancer Epidemiology under the title: “Cancer mortality trends in Luxembourg: A 24-year descriptive study (1998–2021)”.
Funding and collaborations
The study was funded by Luxembourg’s Second National Cancer Plan (Plan National Cancer 2). Access to the data was provided through collaboration with Luxembourg’s National Registry of Death Causes, which is managed by the Epidemiology and Statistical Service of the Luxembourg Health Directorate.
