Lung cancer is already the third most diagnosed tumour in the Balearic Islands, in both men and women. Among men, it ranks after prostate and colorectal cancer. Among women, after breast and colorectal cancer. The Regional Ministry of Health highlights that cases continue to rise among women and that the disease is becoming consolidated as the third most common tumour among women in 2025.
A patient undergoes a respiratory test. Photo: CAIB.
At a national level, the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) estimates 34,506 cases in 2025. More than 30% will correspond to women. Lung cancer remains one of the most common tumours worldwide.
Tobacco, responsible for 90% of lung tumours
On the occasion of World Day, the Regional Ministry of Health reminds that tobacco is the main risk factor. It causes 9 out of 10 lung cancers and is also linked to tumours of the head and neck, bladder, kidney, pancreas, oesophagus, stomach and colon.
The Regional Ministry and the Mallorca Primary Care Management (GAP) have maintained for years their commitment to prevention. Among their initiatives are the smoking cessation workshops in health centres. In 2023, the number of people who quit smoking doubled after taking part in these groups. The figure rose from 91 in 2022 to 184 in 2023, across 38 groups in 24 centres.
The Addictions Plan of the Balearic Islands (PADIB), of the Directorate General of Mental Health, also promotes actions against smoking. One of them is Smoke-free beaches, which now includes 53 beaches across 22 municipalities.
20% of Spaniards smoke daily
Despite the evidence, around 20% of Spaniards smoke daily, according to the Comprehensive Tobacco Prevention and Control Plan 2024–2027. The National Statistics Institute (INE) reports that 14.9% of women and 20.2% of men continue to smoke every day. The rise of electronic cigarettes and vapes among young people is also concerning. The ESTUDES 2023 survey confirms a sharp increase since the end of the pandemic.
Deaths on the rise, especially among women
Official 2023 data in the Balearic Islands recorded 545 deaths from lung cancer. Of these, 359 were men and 186 were women. This represents an increase of 7.3% compared to 2022. The most concerning figure is the rise among women: deaths increased by 30.9%, rising from 142 to 186.
In Spain, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in both sexes. Among women, mortality rose by 4.6% in 2023. Experts attribute this trend to the rise in smoking among women since the 1970s and the long latency period of about 20 years.
This evolution is similar in Europe. In some Nordic countries, female mortality from lung cancer already exceeds that of breast cancer.
A preventable problem
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that one in three cancer deaths is due to preventable factors: tobacco, infections, alcohol, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets.
The Regional Ministry also emphasises the importance of physical exercise. Scientific evidence shows that it reduces cancer incidence and mortality. It also improves patients’ quality of life, reduces fatigue and increases cardiorespiratory capacity during treatment.
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