Noncommunicable Disease
What is a noncommunicable disease?
A noncommunicable disease is one that does not spread through infection and is instead typically caused by unhealthy behaviors. They may also be known as chronic diseases, and they tend to last for a long time.
Some noncommunicable diseases include:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Asthma
- Heart disease
- Mental health ailments
- Hypertension
- Chronic lung disease
Many noncommunicable diseases can be prevented by adopting healthy habits such as eating a healthy diet, cutting out tobacco, stopping alcohol overconsumption, and being physically active.
How do noncommunicable diseases affect healthcare?
Noncommunicable diseases are a considerable threat to overall health and are the leading cause of death worldwide. Additionally, just four noncommunicable disease categories (cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes) account for more than two-thirds of worldwide deaths.
Detection and screening for noncommunicable diseases are crucial for catching the diseases while in the early stages to either reverse the disease or prevent it from progressing. Palliative care is also a common treatment response for those with noncommunicable diseases.