Cancer Remains Leading Cause of Death in Yucatan With 69 Deaths Per 100,000 Residents

Yucatan, Mexico — Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death in Mexico’s Yucatan state, with recent data showing a mortality rate of approximately 69 deaths per 100,000 residents, placing the region below the national average but still facing significant public health challenges.

Released ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4, the latest figures from INEGI (national statistics agency) and the Health Department indicate Yucatan occupies an intermediate position nationally in cancer outcomes. The state reports an incidence rate of about 68 cancer cases per 100,000 people, slightly below the national average of approximately 71 cases per 100,000.

Health specialists warn that while Yucatan’s numbers don’t place it among states with the highest cancer lethality, the disease burden remains substantial and is linked to late diagnoses, genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and limited access to specialized medical services outside the metropolitan area of Merida.

Breast Cancer: Primary Challenge for Women

Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Yucatan. In 2024, the state recorded 113 deaths from breast cancer, with a rate of approximately 13.9 deaths per 100,000 women over age 20, making it one of the most impacted states in the Yucatan Peninsula region.

Health authorities reported more than 360 new breast cancer diagnoses in 2025, representing a moderate increase from the previous year that reflects a national trend of more detected cases, though not always at early stages.

Despite free mammography campaigns and detection programs, breast cancer faces obstacles including lack of regular screenings, misinformation, and difficulty accessing specialized studies in rural communities.

Prostate Cancer: High Incidence Among Men

For men, prostate cancer ranks first in incidence. Yucatan has recently placed among the top three states for confirmed cases, with approximately 260 to 270 diagnoses recorded in 2025, showing a slight decrease from the previous year.

Health officials note that cultural resistance to medical examinations remains the primary problem with prostate cancer, delaying detection and reducing opportunities for timely treatment.

Regional Context

Within the peninsula, Campeche reports one of the lowest breast cancer mortality rates in the country, while Quintana Roo shows increasing incidence of breast cancer and other tumors, with additional pressure from population growth and healthcare demand.

Although the three states share demographic and cultural characteristics, differences in hospital infrastructure and medical coverage directly influence cancer outcomes.

Nationally, cancer accounts for nearly 12 percent of all deaths, with more than 95,000 annual fatalities, maintaining an upward trend over the past decade. Health authorities estimate up to 40 percent of cases could be prevented through lifestyle changes, while another significant percentage could be detected early through regular screenings.

In Yucatan, the immediate challenge involves not only reducing numbers but also expanding early detection to all municipalities, strengthening cancer care, and ensuring continuous and timely treatments.