Saxony-Anhalt leads Germany in tobacco-related cancer deaths for 2024

Saxony-Anhalt recorded the highest rate of tobacco-related cancer deaths in Germany during 2024. The state saw 73 fatalities per 100,000 residents—well above the national average. New data also highlights a stark contrast with other regions, where smoking-related illnesses claimed far fewer lives. Last year, 1,560 people in Saxony-Anhalt died from cancers directly linked to tobacco. Another 955 lost their lives to COPD, another smoking-related disease. These figures place the state at the top of Germany’s rankings for tobacco-related mortality.

The average age of death for cancer victims in the region was 71. Yet one in four of these deaths involved individuals under 65. This suggests a heavy burden of early mortality tied to smoking. Nationally, the average rate stood at 56 tobacco-related cancer deaths per 100,000 residents. Saarland followed Saxony-Anhalt with 72 deaths per 100,000, while Baden-Württemberg had the lowest rate at 41. Despite these figures, recent surveys show progress: 70% of men and 80% of women in Saxony-Anhalt now report not smoking, according to the 2025 microcensus.

The data confirms Saxony-Anhalt’s position as the hardest-hit state for tobacco-related deaths. While smoking rates have declined, the region still faces higher mortality than the rest of Germany. Public health officials will likely focus on further reducing tobacco use to lower these numbers in coming years.