Top 10 Causes of Death in the Netherlands

Like other developed countries, the Netherlands has to contend with health challenges for its population. This article provides a detailed overview of the top 10 causes of death in the Netherlands, such as congestive heart failure, COVID-19, and cancer.

1. The Big C. Cancer

It’s a sobering fact, but cancer remains the leading disease cause of death in the Netherlands, with an approximate share of 31% of total deaths. Particularly, lung cancer could be singled out as a significant cause of mortality associated with cancers. Breast cancer is also a considerable contributor to cancer deaths.

The high incidence of cancer in the Netherlands can be attributed to various factors, including lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and genetic predispositions.

2. Matters of the Heart: Cardiovascular Diseases

Heart issues and circulatory system disorders constitute the second cause of death, contributing to approximately 24% of total deaths. This category encompasses a wide range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and arrhythmias.

Interestingly, mortality rates from stroke and ischemic heart issues in the Netherlands are among the lowest in the EU.

3. The Silent Epidemic: Neurological Disorders

These disorders, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, account for a death share of approximately 13%. In terms of gender, there is a noticeable difference: these disorders affected women more than men.

Mental disorders and diseases of the nervous system, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, have, sadly, become increasingly prevalent causes of death in the Netherlands.

Read Also: Your Guide to Health Insurance in The Netherlands

4. Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and pneumonia are responsible for 8% of deaths. The Netherlands has one of the highest incidences of COPD mortality in the EU, although there have been some years of decline.

This category includes chronic conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute illnesses such as pneumonia.

5. Non-Natural Causes

Accidents, suicide, and other non-natural causes are approximately 6% of deaths. These causes are especially significant for the 15-30-year-old age group and are the leading cause of death.

This category covers a wide range of incidents, from traffic accidents to falls and intentional self-harm.

6. COVID-19: The not-so-silent epidemic

Not considered a long-term leading cause of death, it has recently had a great impact on the cause of death. Almost 7% of deaths in the Netherlands in 2020 were due to it.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mortality rates in the Netherlands, becoming a significant cause of death in recent years. In 2021, COVID-19 was responsible for 19,638 deaths, accounting for 11.6% of all deaths in the country.

7. Digestive System Diseases

Digestive system diseases contribute somewhat less to death rates than the major causes of death. These in themselves accounted for about 3% of deaths.

This category includes a wide range of conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas. Common issues include liver disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, and gastrointestinal cancers.

8. Endocrine, Nutritional, and Metabolic Diseases

Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases encompass a range of conditions that significantly impact mortality rates in the Netherlands. Among these, diabetes mellitus stands out as a major contributor.

While these diseases may not rank among the top causes of death outright, their role in exacerbating other health issues makes them a critical area of focus for Dutch healthcare providers.

9. Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases remain a notable disease cause of death in the Netherlands, particularly among vulnerable populations such as infants under one year old. While COVID-19 has dominated headlines in recent years, other infectious diseases like pneumonia, sepsis, and whooping cough continue to influence mortality rates.

10. Kidney and Urinary System Diseases

Kidney and urinary system diseases are another significant cause of death in the Netherlands, albeit with lower mortality rates compared to conditions like cancer or cardiovascular disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is particularly concerning due to its association with other health issues such as diabetes and hypertension. The prevalence of CKD has been rising steadily in the Netherlands, especially among older adults and those with lower socioeconomic status.