Lexi Webster
Australia recorded 183,131 deaths in 2023, a 4.1% decline from 2022. The leading cause of death was ischaemic heart disease, closely followed by dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Suicide was the 16th leading cause of death, with 3,214 deaths by suicide recorded in 2023. The median age at death by suicide was 45.5 years. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the median age of death by suicide was 33 years. The top five underlying causes of death in Australia for men and women of all ages combined are cerebrovascular disease (including stroke), lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lower respiratory infections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of deaths | 183,131 |
| Leading cause of death | Ischaemic heart disease |
| Second leading cause of death | Dementia |
| Third leading cause of death | N/A |
| Ninth leading cause of death | COVID-19 |
| 16th leading cause of death | Suicide |
| Median age at death for people who died by suicide | 45.5 years |
| Median age of death by suicide for males | 45.8 years |
| Median age of death by suicide for females | 44.4 years |
| Median age of death by suicide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people | 33.0 years |
| Median age of death by suicide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males | 35.1 years |
| Median age of death by suicide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander females | 27.9 years |
| Number of deaths from motor vehicle accidents | 1,290 |
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Ischaemic heart disease
Men are twice as likely to die from ischaemic heart disease as women, and it is more prevalent in older age groups, with 21% of men and 8.1% of women aged 75 and over reporting the disease. The rate of ischaemic heart disease among Indigenous Australians is 2.7 times that of non-Indigenous Australians, and it is more common in lower socioeconomic groups and those living in regional and remote areas.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) found that in 2020, 12% of men died from ischaemic heart disease, making it the leading cause of death for men. It was the second leading cause of death for women, after dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
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Dementia and Alzheimer's disease
Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, is the second leading cause of death in Australia, accounting for 9.1% of deaths in 2023. It is a broad term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses that cause a progressive decline in a person's functioning, including memory, intellect, rationality, social skills, and physical functioning. Alzheimer's disease is one of the many types of dementia, along with vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body disease.
The gap between the leading cause of death, ischaemic heart disease, and dementia has been narrowing over time, with less than 250 deaths separating the two causes in 2023. With an ageing population, the number of deaths from dementia has been increasing over the years and has been the leading cause of death for Australian women since 2016 and in New South Wales, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory.
Provisional data suggests that dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, will soon become the leading cause of death in Australia. The increasing number of deaths from dementia highlights the importance of continued research and efforts to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this group of illnesses.
Dementia poses a significant challenge to individuals, their families, and the healthcare system in Australia. It can lead to a loss of independence and the need for long-term care. Early detection and intervention are crucial in managing the condition and delaying its progression. Support services, such as memory clinics, caregiver support groups, and community resources, play a vital role in helping individuals and their families cope with the impact of dementia.
The impact of dementia extends beyond the individual and their families, affecting society as a whole. It can result in social and economic consequences, including increased healthcare costs and a burden on social services. Raising awareness, promoting brain health, and providing support for caregivers are essential in addressing the growing impact of dementia in Australia.
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Suicide
In 2023, there were 3,214 deaths by suicide in Australia, comprising 2,419 males and 795 females. This preliminary figure is expected to increase as coronial investigations are finalised. The median age at death by suicide was 45.5 years, with a slightly higher median age for males (45.8 years) than for females (44.4 years). Suicide was the 16th leading cause of death in Australia for that year.
However, when considering specific age groups, suicide emerges as the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 44 or 49 years. In 2021, suicide topped the list for this age bracket, surpassing causes such as cancer, stroke, and heart attack, which are typically associated with life insurance claims. The high suicide rate in this younger demographic underscores the urgency of addressing mental health issues and promoting suicide prevention measures.
Risk factors for suicide are varied and complex. Commonly recorded risk factors include mood affective disorders (including depression), suicide ideation, problems with spousal relationships, and a personal history of self-harm. It is important to recognise that suicide does not discriminate and can affect anyone, regardless of their personal circumstances.
The impact of suicide extends beyond the individual, with far-reaching consequences for those left behind. It is essential to seek support if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or the aftermath of a suicide. Australia has government-funded support programs, including access to mental health professionals through Medicare rebates, to help all Australians manage their mental health and reduce the incidence of suicide.
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Cancer
The impact of cancer on public health in Australia is substantial. While heart disease, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease are currently the leading causes of death, cancer often features in the top five underlying causes of death. The latest statistics from ABS show that in 2023, ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of death, followed closely by dementia, while COVID-19 was the ninth leading cause.
It is worth noting that cancer is a broad term encompassing various types of the disease, each with its own unique characteristics and risk factors. In Australia, as in many other countries, certain types of cancer are more prevalent than others. For example, lung cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer are among the top causes of cancer-related deaths in the country, as per the AIHW report from 2020.
Alcohol consumption has also been identified as a contributing factor to cancer in Australia. Recent studies have linked alcohol intake to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, with men typically facing a higher risk than women. This discovery has led to discussions about including cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified alcohol as a carcinogen, highlighting the direct link between alcohol consumption and cancer development.
While cancer remains a significant cause of death in Australia, it is encouraging to see a continuous decline in overall death rates in the country. This suggests that advancements in medical treatments, improved healthcare infrastructure, and increased awareness about health and lifestyle choices may be contributing to longer life expectancies for Australians.
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COVID-19
The Australian government's Therapeutic Goods Administration has confirmed that only 14 out of nearly 1,000 reported potential cases were linked to the COVID-19 vaccine. Government officials and experts in Australia have stated that the rise in deaths is due to COVID-19 infections, not vaccine-related deaths.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2023, ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in Australia, accounting for 9.2% of deaths.
Dementia was the second leading cause of death in 2023, closely followed by cerebrovascular disease (including stroke), lung cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer. COVID-19 was the ninth leading cause of death, accounting for just over 5,000 deaths.
Suicide was the leading cause of death among people aged 15-44 in 2023. The median age at death for people who died by suicide was 45.5 years.
Circulatory diseases, cancer and other neoplasms, and injury and poisoning were the leading causes of death for Indigenous Australians in 2023.
