Malignant tumors and heart disease were identified as the most common causes of death for both men and women in 2022. In Israel, cancer was responsible for the death of 11,650 individuals this year. Among men, the most prevalent types of cancer were tracheal, bronchial, and lung cancer, colorectal and rectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. On the other hand, breast cancer, tracheal, bronchial, and lung cancer, and colon, rectal, and rectal cancer were the most common types of cancer among women.
The report also highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, which was the third most common cause of death between 2020-2022. In 2021, the disease resulted in 4,800 deaths in Israel. Additionally, the report indicated an increase in mortality rates from infectious diseases over the past decade, with over 2,000 deaths annually between 2020-2022.
Analyzing the differences between men and women, it was found that the overall death rate was 1.5 times higher among men in 2022. Men also experienced significantly higher death rates from external causes such as murder, car accidents, and suicide. However, the death rate from dementia was slightly higher in women compared to men.
The report also provided insights into the causes of death among different age groups, noting perinatal causes and birth defects as common causes of death among infants. External causes were identified as the leading cause of death for toddlers aged 1 to 4, while cancer accounted for 18.6% of deaths in the 5-17 age group.
In an international comparison with OECD countries, Israel was ranked eighth in mortality rates from all causes. While mortality rates from leading causes such as cancer, ischemic heart disease, and cerebrovascular diseases were lower in Israel compared to most OECD countries, mortality rates from infectious diseases were the highest. Additionally, mortality rates from diabetes and kidney diseases were elevated compared to other OECD countries.