Two complementary studies presenting these findings have been published simultaneously in the *Bulletin épidémiologique hebdomadaire* (Santé publique France) and in *Études et Résultats* (DREES). They are based on national statistics on causes of death produced by Inserm’s CépiDc using comprehensive data collection and analysis of the medical sections of death certificates.

Among the population residing in France, 673,190 people died in 2022 within the country, a higher number than in 2020 and 2021, two years that were nevertheless heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who died in 2022 were, on average, older than those who died in 2021. The age-standardized mortality rate, which accounts for population aging, remained stable compared to 2021 across all age groups (886.6 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants) and was higher than the rate that would result from an extension of the downward trends observed between 2015 and 2019. This rate rises sharply among people aged 85 and older.

Tumors are the leading cause of death; cardio-neurovascular diseases are the second

In 2022, tumors—that is, cancers—the leading cause of death, account for a quarter of all deaths (25.5%). Deaths due to tumors occur, on average, at a younger age than deaths from all causes combined. Mortality from tumors continues its downward trend but is stabilizing among women.

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure), the second leading cause of death, account for 20.8% of deaths. These deaths generally affect older individuals. This is the most common cause of death among those aged 85 and older. Between 2021 and 2022, mortality from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases—which accounts for population aging—increased slightly among women, while remaining stable among men. As in 2021, this mortality rate is higher across all genders and ages than what would have been expected based on the continuation of pre-pandemic trends.

According to a preliminary, still provisional estimate of rates and the number of deaths by cause, mortality from each of these two causes is expected to decline slightly in 2023.

Fewer deaths due to COVID-19, rise in deaths due to respiratory diseases excluding COVID-19, which become the third leading cause of death

In 2022, deaths from respiratory diseases (excluding COVID-19) rose sharply and accounted for 6.7% of all deaths, making them the third leading cause of death; mortality is approaching its pre-health crisis level. These deaths primarily affect the elderly: half of them are 86 years of age or older. The increase in 2022 could be partly explained by the two seasonal flu epidemics of 2021–22 and 2022–23 and the active circulation of other respiratory viruses (notably respiratory syncytial virus). Conversely, the number of deaths due to COVID-19 has decreased by nearly a third compared to 2021 and has become the fifth leading cause of death.

This decline could be largely explained by the achievement of high herd immunity both nationally and internationally (broad vaccination coverage, reduced virulence of variants). This decline is expected to continue in 2023.

Mortality from accidents is increasing, particularly among the elderly

In 2022, the number of deaths due to external causes¹ was 44,800, accounting for 6.7% of all deaths. External causes are the second leading cause of death among people under 65, after tumors.

For the first year since 2020, mortality from external causes, particularly accidents, is also significantly higher than would be suggested by an extension of pre-pandemic trends.

In 2022, mortality from accidents is rising across all age groups, particularly among those aged 85 and older. This increase is driven by a rise in falls and household accidents. Deaths from transportation accidents are also rising in 2022, though they have not yet returned to pre-health crisis levels.

Trend reversals for certain causes are confirmed in 2022

The rise in mortality for most other major causes continues in 2022, breaking with the downward trend observed prior to the COVID-19 health crisis. This is particularly true for endocrine diseases and diseases of the digestive system.

More deaths at home and in nursing homes

Finally, the proportion of deaths in public healthcare facilities continues to decline, while deaths in nursing homes and at home are on the rise in 2022.