Cancer has overtaken other causes to become the leading cause of death in Spain, and this stark reality is reshaping how many Spaniards plan their estates. According to the CRIS Contra el Cáncer foundation, interest in charitable wills grew by 49% in 2025 compared with the previous year, a trend that has nearly quintupled over the past five years.
The Haz Testamento Solidario (Make a Charitable Will) platform reported that 9,413 people registered their interest in leaving a legacy to charity in 2025, a record number. In the same year, participating organisations received 548 charitable wills, with a combined value of nearly €50 million.
This surge comes as the latest data from Spain's National Statistics Institute (INE) confirms that cancer now accounts for 26.3% of all deaths in the country, making it the leading cause of mortality for the third consecutive year. The disease has firmly displaced cardiovascular ailments, which had historically been the top killer.
A personal connection drives generosity
The foundation's experience suggests that the decision to leave a charitable legacy is often deeply personal. Three out of four people expressing interest in a charitable will are women, and many are patients, survivors, or relatives who have had a close encounter with cancer.
“People who have faced the disease, either themselves or through a loved one, often want to turn their experience into something positive,” said a spokesperson for CRIS Contra el Cáncer. “Leaving a legacy to research is a way to contribute to future treatments and, ultimately, to save lives.”
The trend reflects a broader European pattern, where charitable giving through wills is gaining traction as a way to support medical research and social causes. In Spain, the legal framework makes it relatively straightforward to designate a portion of an estate to a non-profit organisation, and the tax benefits can be significant.
While the rise in charitable wills is a positive development, it also underscores the growing burden of cancer on Spanish society. The INE data shows that the disease now claims more lives than any other cause, a shift that has prompted public health experts to call for increased investment in prevention, early detection, and treatment.
For many, the decision to leave a legacy is also a statement about the future. “We are seeing a generation that wants to make a difference even after they are gone,” noted the spokesperson. “They are not just thinking about their families, but about the society they will leave behind.”
The record number of charitable wills in 2025 is a testament to the growing awareness of cancer's impact and the desire to contribute to a cure. As the disease continues to shape Spain's health landscape, the generosity of its citizens offers a glimmer of hope.
