Sign up & start saving!
Our monthly newsletter is launching soon with the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
Types
Guides
Every year, Statistics Canada records the number of deaths across Canada — and the major diseases that Canadians are dying from. We combed through this data to find the leading causes of death, as well as which conditions were different among men and women.
The 10 leading causes of death in Canada
To get these numbers, we looked at the latest Statistics Canada latest mortality data (2019). Interestingly, we learned that the ranking of most of the top 10 leading causes of death didn’t change between 2018 and 2019, except accidental deaths surpassed cerebrovascular diseases to reach the number 3 spot. Also, unlike in 2018, more people died from diabetes then from the flu or pneumonia. Generally speaking, however, the data shows that Canadians are falling victim to the same diseases and health conditions year-after-year.
How do leading causes of death in Canada compare for men and women?
For both men and women, the top 2 leading causes of death were cancer and heart disease.
However, men had a relatively higher incidence of accidents and suicide, while more women died from cerebrovascular diseases and chronic lower respiratory diseases. These differences aside, the list of common deaths was made up of the usual suspects, including Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and pneumonia.
Take a look at the graphs and tables below to get a more detailed picture on the 10 leading causes of death in Canada.
| Rank | Cause of death | Total number of deaths |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cancer | 80,152 |
| 2 | Heart disease | 52,541 |
| 3 | Accidents | 13,746 |
| 4 | Cerebrovascular diseases | 13,660 |
| 5 | Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 12,823 |
| 6 | Diabetes | 6,912 |
| 7 | Flu and pneumonia | 6,893 |
| 8 | Alzheimer’s disease | 6,166 |
| 9 | Suicide | 4,012 |
| 10 | Kidney diseases | 3,767 |
What are chronic lower respiratory diseases (CLRDs)?
CLRDs are conditions that affect the lungs, such as:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — including emphysema and chronic bronchitis
- Asthma
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Occupational lung diseases
While these diseases are typically associated with smoking, non-smokers can also contract them.
The top 10 causes of death for men
These were the leading causes of death among Canadian men. Interestingly, instances of all top 10 causes of death for men increased in 2019 compared to 2018, with the exception of Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, chronic lower respiratory diseases and flu and pneumonia which all decreased.
| Rank | Cause of death | Number of deaths |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cancer | 42,848 |
| 2 | Heart disease | 28,292 |
| 3 | Accidents | 7,829 |
| 4 | Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 6,342 |
| 5 | Cerebrovascular diseases | 5,958 |
| 6 | Diabetes | 3,882 |
| 7 | Flu and pneumonia | 3,265 |
| 8 | Suicide | 3,058 |
| 9 | Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis | 2,365 |
| 10 | Alzheimer’s disease | 1,989 |
The top 10 causes of death for women
As for Canadian women, the incidence of accidents were higher in 2019 as opposed to 2018. All other top 10 causes of death were less in 2019.
| Rank | Cause of death | Number of deaths |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cancer | 37,304 |
| 2 | Heart disease | 24,249 |
| 3 | Cerebrovascular diseases | 7,702 |
| 4 | Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 6,481 |
| 5 | Accidents | 5,917 |
| 6 | Alzheimer’s disease | 4,177 |
| 7 | Flu and pneumonia | 3,628 |
| 8 | Diabetes | 3,030 |
| 9 | Kidney diseases | 1,863 |
| 10 | Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis | 1,297 |
Compare online will companies
What’s the average age of death in Canada?
With all this talk of death, it’s important to keep in mind that the average age of death in Canada is still relatively high. The average life expectancy is 79.9 years for men and 84.1 years for women. While there are many factors that can impact your life expectancy, like your environment and family history, the majority of Canadians live long lives.
How we collected this data
To learn about the leading causes of death among Canadians, we turned to the Statistics Canada mortality data. Statistics Canada analyzes deaths and diseases each year, with the most recent data focused on 2019. We’ll update this page as new data is released.
Compare life insurance companies
While no one can predict the future, life insurance can be a good way to help your loved ones even if the worst should happen. If you’re thinking about getting life insurance, compare quality providers in the list below.
How do life insurance companies assess your life expectancy?
The general rule is that the healthier you are, the less you’ll have to pay for life insurance. Each insurance provider has its own underwriting process. As such, some put more weight on certain evaluation factors over others. Take a look at a few points that will be assessed:
- Age. How old you are plays possibly the biggest role in determining your premiums. The younger you are, the lower your premiums will typically be.
- Gender. Women typically end up with lower premiums than men, mostly due to women having a higher average life expectancy.
- Certain health indicators. When a medical exam or medical questions are involved, your weight, height, blood pressure and any history of major diseases or medical conditions help determine your premiums.
- Family health history. Major health conditions and diseases in your immediate family are likely taken into account. Cancer, cardiac arrest, kidney disease and stroke are among what may affect your premiums.
- Smoking. General frequency, and the last time you smoked before your medical exam, will likely be considered when determining how much you’ll pay in premiums.
- Substance use. Alcohol or drug use that has resulted in doctor-mandated rehabilitation and illegal substance abuse are likely to increase your premiums. Life insurance companies generally believe that if you avoid or moderate these substances, you’ll be prevented from getting their associated diseases.
- High-risk occupations and hobbies. Certain occupations and hobbies are considered riskier than others. Being a lumberjack is objectively more dangerous than working in accounting. Likewise, a skydiving hobby will earn your application more scrutiny than needlepoint.
- Driving and criminal records. Several tickets within a short period of time, DUIs and arrests can contribute to what your policy costs.
Bottom line
Understanding the leading causes of death is just one of many factors life insurance companies will take into account when determining your rates. A good life insurance policy can protect your family financially if you pass away prematurely, and give you the peace of mind in knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of when you’re gone. To get great coverage at a premium you can afford, compare life insurance companies.
More guides on Finder
-
How to get life insurance with skin cancer
Your eligibility and rates will depend on the type of cancer you had and your current health. Compare providers and learn what to expect.
-
Where to bulk buy cloth masks online in Canada
Find out where to bulk buy cloth face masks online, and see which retailers offer free shipping deals.
-
Compare life insurance for your 50s
Find out what life insurance policy to get if you’re over 50, and how to get affordable premiums.
-
How life insurance underwriting works
Find out how much you’ll pay for coverage based on your risk profile.
-
What is risk profiling and how does it work?
What is risk profiling in financial planning and how does your risk profile influence where you invest your money? Find out in this handy guide.
-
Life insurance and alcohol
Does alcohol consumption affect what you pay for life insurance? Yes. Find out how and where you can get insured.
-
Is Ellevest available in Canada?
Ellevest offers goal-driven investing to help women make the most of their money. But can you use Ellevest in Canada?
-
Life insurance policies that don’t require a medical exam
Find out why you might try to get a life insurance policy with no medical exam requirements, and how this type of policy works.
-
How to get cheap life insurance in 2021
Our guide to finding an affordable policy without skimping on coverage. Learn what to look out for and tips for getting the coverage you need.
-
Insurance-Paid Upgrade Report
From broken bones to lost engagement rings, many Canadians are willing to put it all on the line for an insurance-paid upgrade. How far would you go?