What is a noncommunicable disease?
A noncommunicable disease is a noninfectious health condition that cannot be spread from person to person. It also lasts for a long period of time. This is also known as a chronic disease.
Noncommunicable diseases kill around each year. This is about 70 percent of all deaths worldwide.
Noncommunicable diseases affect people belonging to all age groups, religions, and countries.
Noncommunicable diseases are often associated with older people. However, annual deaths from noncommunicable diseases occur among people aged 30 to 69.
More than of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries and in vulnerable communities where access to preventative healthcare is lacking.
What are the most common noncommunicable diseases?
Some noncommunicable diseases are more common than others. The four main types of noncommunicable diseases include cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes.
These conditions increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Some people are born with (genetically predisposed to have) certain cardiovascular conditions.
Cancer affects people of all ages, socioeconomic statuses, genders, and ethnicities. It’s the of noncommunicable disease death globally.
Some cancers cannot be avoided due to genetic risks. However, the World Health Organization estimates that of cancers are preventable with adoption of healthy lifestyle choices.
In 2015, nearly , was caused by cancer.
Chronic respiratory diseases are ailments affecting the airways and lung structures. Some of these diseases have a genetic basis.
However, other causes include lifestyle choices such as smoking and environmental conditions like exposure to air pollution, poor air quality, and poor ventilation.
Diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar (glucose). It can also occur when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
Some effects of diabetes include heart disease, vision loss, and kidney injury. If blood sugar levels are not controlled, diabetes can seriously damage other organs and systems in the body over time.
Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed during childhood or young adulthood. It’s the result of an immune system dysfunction.
Type 2 diabetes is often acquired during later adulthood. It’s typically the result of poor diet, inactivity, obesity, and other lifestyle and environmental factors.
The World Health Organization identifies noncommunicable diseases as a major public health concern and the leading cause of all deaths worldwide.
A person with these risk factors should address them through medical treatment and lifestyle modifications to lower the risks of developing a noncommunicable disease.
Risk factors a person can’t change include age, gender, race, and family history.
While noncommunicable diseases are long-term conditions that often can reduce one’s life expectancy, they can be managed with medical treatment and lifestyle changes.
If you are diagnosed with a noncommunicable disease, it’s important to stick to your treatment plan to ensure you stay as healthy as possible.
Airborne diseases spread easily and are difficult to prevent. Learn more about the types of airborne diseases and how to protect yourself.