What are people in Italy most likely to die from, at each age?
Life expectancy at birth in Italy is about 81 years for men and 85 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 Telefono Amico on 02 2327 2327 (normal call rate) — confidential, any time. Or find help at findahelpline.com.
Cancer screening in Italy
- Breast cancerevery 2 years, ages 50–69 (some regions 45–74)
- Colorectal cancerevery 2 years, ages 50–69 (stool test; some regions to 74)
- Cervical cancerevery 3 years, ages 25–29 (Pap test)every 5 years, ages 30–64 (HPV test)
- Lung cancerif you smoke or smoked heavily, ages 50–74 — ask whether it's offered
Based on the Italian LEA screening programmes (regions vary) and European guidelines. Each cancer's page compares the programmes country by country.
Computed by Odainn from official Eurostat mortality statistics for Italy (2023) — how we calculate. Educational, not medical advice.