Cancer has now overtaken other diseases as the leading cause of death in Spain, accounting for 26.3% of all fatalities. This alarming statistic has prompted a significant shift in how individuals are planning their estates, with a notable increase in charitable wills aimed at funding cancer research. In 2025, interest in these wills surged by 49% compared to the previous year, reflecting a growing societal commitment to combat this disease.
The CRIS Contra el Cáncer foundation reports that nearly 9,500 people expressed interest in leaving part of their estate to charitable causes in 2025, a trend that has almost quintupled over the past five years. This rise in charitable legacies is not just a response to personal experiences with cancer; it also highlights a broader cultural shift towards philanthropy in Spain.
Interestingly, three out of four individuals opting for charitable wills are women, often those who have been directly affected by cancer, whether as patients, survivors, or family members. This demographic insight underscores the emotional and personal motivations behind these decisions, as many seek to leave a lasting impact on cancer research and support.
Assets included in these legacies range widely, from homes and savings to shares and rural properties. As more people choose to incorporate social causes into their wills, the implications for funding cancer research could be profound, potentially leading to advancements in treatment and care that could save lives in the future.
Source: Euronews
