Deaths from chronic liver disease and cirrhosis have steadily increased in Canada over the past two decades. In 2000, 2,206 deaths were recorded, accounting for 1% of all deaths. By 2021, that figure peaked at 4,677 deaths (1.5%), before slightly decreasing to 4,374 in 2023 (1.3%).
This long-term upward trend highlights the growing public health burden of liver disease—possibly linked to alcohol use, obesity, hepatitis, and other factors. Despite recent slight declines, rates remain well above early-2000s levels.
Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis Deaths in Canada: 2000–2023 Trends
| Year | Rank of leading causes of death | Number of deaths | Percentage of deaths |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 11 | 2,206 | 1% |
| 2001 | 11 | 2,269 | 1% |
| 2002 | 11 | 2,351 | 1.1% |
| 2003 | 11 | 2,352 | 1% |
| 2004 | 11 | 2,269 | 1% |
| 2005 | 11 | 2,348 | 1% |
| 2006 | 11 | 2,413 | 1.1% |
| 2007 | 11 | 2,651 | 1.1% |
| 2008 | 11 | 2,748 | 1.2% |
| 2009 | 11 | 2,683 | 1.1% |
| 2010 | 11 | 2,668 | 1.1% |
| 2011 | 11 | 2,855 | 1.2% |
| 2012 | 11 | 2,882 | 1.2% |
| 2013 | 11 | 2,961 | 1.2% |
| 2014 | 10 | 3,126 | 1.2% |
| 2015 | 10 | 3,176 | 1.2% |
| 2016 | 10 | 3,385 | 1.3% |
| 2017 | 10 | 3,471 | 1.2% |
| 2018 | 11 | 3,580 | 1.3% |
| 2019 | 11 | 3,716 | 1.3% |
| 2020 | 11 | 4,221 | 1.4% |
| 2021 | 9 | 4,677 | 1.5% |
| 2022 | 10 | 4,713 | 1.4% |
| 2023 | 10 | 4,374 | 1.3% |
Source:
| Source Name: | Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0394-01 Leading causes of death, total population, by age group |
| Source Link: | https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/cv.action?pid=1310039401 |
| Release Date: | 2025-02-19 |
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