What are people in Canada most likely to die from, at each age?
Life expectancy at birth in Canada is about 80 years for men and 84 for women. But what threatens people most changes with age — and until late middle age it is rarely what people expect. Pick an age group for the full picture.
Top cause = the most likely cause of death over the next 10 years (on wider screens, with its share of all risk) · 10-year risk = chance of dying from any cause within 10 years, for someone in the middle of the age group.
Suicide, overdoses and alcohol are among the most preventable causes of death. If you or someone you love is struggling, call or text 988, the Suicide Crisis Helpline — free and confidential, any time. Or find help at findahelpline.com.
Cancer screening in Canada
- Breast cancerevery 2–3 years, ages 50–74 (from 40 on request in several provinces)
- Colorectal cancerevery 2 years, ages 50–74 (home stool test)
- Cervical cancerevery 3 years, ages 25–69 (HPV test every 5 years where your province offers it)
- Lung cancerages 55–74 with a heavy smoking history — ask whether your province offers it
Based on the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care and NACI. Each cancer's page compares the programmes country by country.
Computed by Odainn from official Statistics Canada mortality statistics for Canada (2023–2024) — how we calculate. Educational, not medical advice.