The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) announced Taiwan's 2025 mortality statistics. Cancer has remained the leading cause of death for 44 consecutive years, followed by cardiovascular diseases and pneumonia. Although renal-related diseases ranked eighth, both the total number of deaths and the standardized mortality rate were higher than in 2024. Among all cancer-related deaths, respiratory cancers had the highest mortality rate.
Ms. Lu Shu-Jun of the MOHW noted that the total number of deaths in 2025 was 199,576, a decrease of 1,807 compared with 2024. The mortality rate was 854.7 per 100,000 population, down 0.6%, while the standardized mortality rate was 395.2 per 100,000 population, a decline of 3.7%. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan has recorded decreases in the number of deaths, the mortality rate, and the standardized mortality rate for three consecutive years.
The top 10 causes of death in 2025 were, in descending order, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, pneumonia, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, accidental injuries, renal-related diseases (including nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephropathy), chronic lower respiratory diseases, and intentional self-harm (suicide). The ranking was largely unchanged from 2024, with the only difference being that renal-related diseases and chronic lower respiratory diseases switched places.
Ms. Tseng Shu-hui of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) explained that pneumonia is a common complication in the terminal stages of many illnesses. As the population continues to age, the number of deaths attributed to pneumonia is expected to increase. Therefore, the prominent ranking of pneumonia among the leading causes of death does not necessarily indicate a rise in viral or bacterial infections. To enhance public protection against respiratory infections, the CDC continues to provide government-funded vaccinations against influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcal disease.
Of particular note was the increase in the number of deaths, the mortality rate, and the standardized mortality rate associated with renal-related diseases. There was also a slight increase in the number of suicides among individuals aged 0–14 and 45–65. However, the overall number of suicide deaths declined by 111, to 3,951 in 2025.
Mr. Chang Yu-bin of the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) noted that the Health Promotion Administration (HPA) provides free adult health check-ups to enable early detection of health risks. These screenings are followed by interventions to manage “three-high” conditions (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia) with a view to reducing the risk of developing renal diseases. The NHIA has also implemented a range of care programmes to prevent the progression of kidney disease. In addition, it has relaxed reimbursement criteria for certain medications used in the treatment of renal conditions, based on real-world evidence. Looking ahead, the NHIA will continue to support dialysis treatment to help prevent further deterioration of patients’ health.
Ms. Lin Li-ru, Deputy Director-General of the HPA, noted that free adult health check-ups are now available to individuals aged 30 and above. She encouraged the public to make use of these public health services and to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
【2026-06-22/ Liberty Times】
