NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES Elena A. Abumuslimova Ph.D., Associates Professor Department of Public Health and Health Care, Northern-West State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, Saint-Petersburg

Noncommunicable diseases are the leading killer today and are on the increase. Nearly 80% of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries.

More than nine million of all deaths attributed to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) occur before the age of 60. Around the world, NCDs affect women and men almost equally.

Global status report on noncommunicable diseases (April 2011 the World Health Organization (WHO) ) NCDs are the leading cause of death in the world, responsible for 63% of the 57 million deaths that occurred in 2008. The majority of these deaths - 36 million - were attributed to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases.

NCDs are largely preventable by means of effective interventions that tackle shared risk factors, namely: tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol. NCDs are not only a health problem but a development challenge as well.

Global status report on noncommunicable diseases (April 2011 the World Health Organization (WHO) ) The leading causes of NCD deaths in 2008 were: cardiovascular diseases (17 million deaths, or 48% of NCD deaths); cancers (7.6 million, or 21% of NCD deaths); and respiratory diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), (4.2 million). Diabetes caused an additional 1.3 million deaths. Behavioural risk factors, including tobacco use, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet, are responsible for about 80% of coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease.

Cardiovascular diseases Cardiovascular disease is caused by disorders of the heart and blood vessels, and includes coronary heart disease (heart attacks), cerebrovascular disease (stroke), raised blood pressure (hypertension), peripheral artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease and heart failure. Although heart attacks and strokes are major killers in all parts of the world, 80% of premature deaths from these causes could be avoided by controlling the main risk factors: tobacco, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.

Cardiovascular diseases: Facts and figures Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes more than half of all deaths across the European Region. 80% of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable.

Cardiovascular diseases: Contributing factors A person’s genetic make-up The foundations of adult health are laid in early life Socioeconomic group Mental health Diet Overweight and obesity Inactivity Tobacco Alcohol Diabetes Globalization and urbanization

Cardiovascular diseases: Prevention Focusing on a combination of risk factors for cardiovascular disease Implementing medical screening for individuals at risk Providing effective and affordable treatment to those who require it

Cardiovascular diseases: Prevention It has been predicted that mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) in the United Kingdom could be halved by small changes in cardiovascular risk factors: a 1% decrease in cholesterol in the population could lead to a 2–4% CHD mortality reduction; a 1% reduction in smoking prevalence could lead to 2000 fewer CHD deaths per year; and a 1% reduction in population diastolic blood pressure could prevent around 1500 CHD deaths each year. 80% of the reduction in CHD mortality in Finland during the period of 1972–1992 has been explained by a decline in the major risk factors. Similarly, in Ireland, almost half (48.1%) of the reduction in CHD mortality rates during 1985–2000 among those aged 25–84 years has been attributed to favorable trends in population risk factors. In both countries, the greatest benefits appear to have come from reductions in mean cholesterol concentrations, smoking prevalence and blood pressure levels.

Cardiovascular diseases: Treatment Effective measures are available for people at high risk. For example, combination drug therapy (such as aspirin, beta blocker, diuretic and statin) can lead to a 75% reduction in myocardial infarction (heart attack) among those at high risk of having one. But many such interventions are not being implemented, and about half of coronary patients in the world still require more intensive blood pressure management.

Cancer Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells that arises from a change in one single cell. The change may be started by external agents and inherited genetic factors and can affect almost any part of the body. The transformation from a normal cell into a tumour cell is a multistage process where growths often invade surrounding tissue and can metastasize to distant sites.

Cancer: Interaction between a person’s genetic factors and any of three categories of external agents physical carcinogens, such as ultraviolet and ionizing radiation or asbestos; chemical carcinogens, such as vinyl chloride, or betnapthylamine (both rated by the International Agency for Research into Cancer as carcinogenic), components of tobacco smoke, aflatoxin (a food contaminant) and arsenic (a drinking-water contaminant); and biological carcinogens, such as infections from certain viruses, bacteria or parasites. Most chemicals to which people are exposed in everyday life have not been tested for their long-term impact on human health.

Cancer: the majority of cancer deaths Lung, breast, colorectal, stomach and liver cancers In high-income countries, the leading causes of cancer deaths are lung cancer among men and breast cancer among women. In low- and middle-income countries cancer levels vary according to the prevailing underlying risks. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women.

Cancer: risk factors for cancer tobacco use unhealthy diet insufficient physical activity the harmful use of alcohol Infections (hepatitis B, hepatitis C (liver cancer), human papillomavirus (HPV; cervical cancer), Helicobacter pylori (stomach cancer) Radiation variety of environmental and occupational exposures of varying importance

Cancer: policy WHO’s approach to cancer has four pillars: prevention, early detection, screening, treatment palliative care.

Cancer: policy At least one third of the 10 million new cases of cancer each year are preventable through reducing tobacco and alcohol use, moderating diet and immunizing against viral hepatitis B. Early detection and prompt treatment where resources allow can reduce incidence by a further one third. Effective techniques are sufficiently well established to permit comprehensive palliative care for the remaining more advanced cases.

Cancer: national cancer control programme WHO has consolidated tools for countries in a framework known as the national cancer control programme, which focuses government attention and services on all facets of the fight. A national cancer control programme is a public health programme designed to reduce cancer incidence and mortality and improve cancer patients’ quality of life, through the systematic and equitable implementation of evidence-based strategies for prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and palliation, making the best use of available resources.

Chronic respiratory diseases: Quick facts and figures According to the WHO Global Status Report on NCDs 2010, smoking is estimated to cause about 71% of all lung cancer deaths and 42% of chronic respiratory disease worldwide. Of the six WHO regions, the highest overall prevalence for smoking in 2008 was estimated to be the in the European Region, at nearly 29%.

Chronic respiratory diseases: Quick facts and figures Survey data from 2002–2007 indicate that over half of all children aged 13–15 years in many countries in the European Region are exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke at home. Second-hand smoke causes severe respiratory health problems in children, such as asthma and reduced lung function; and asthma is now the most common chronic disease among children throughout the Region.  21

Chronic respiratory diseases: Quick facts and figures According to the latest available data for 1997–2006, over 12% of infant deaths in the world are due to respiratory diseases. Indoor air pollution from biological agents related to damp and mould increases the risk of respiratory disease in children and adults. Children are particularly susceptible to the health effects of damp, which include respiratory disorders such as irritation of the respiratory tract, allergies and exacerbation of asthma. Damp is often associated with poor housing and social conditions, poor indoor air quality and inadequate housing hygiene.

Chronic respiratory diseases: Quick facts and figures Increasing evidence suggests that allergic sensitization, which is the most common precursor to the development of asthma, can already occur antenatally. Emphasis on the health, nutrition and environment of the pregnant woman and the unborn child are therefore essential. Ozone pollution causes breathing difficulties, triggers asthma symptoms, causes lung and heart diseases, and is associated with about 21 000 premature deaths per year in 25 countries in the WHO European Region.

Chronic respiratory diseases: Quick facts and figures Most countries in the world and the European Region have introduced a wide range of comprehensive policies to reduce and eliminate tobacco smoke. For example, the advertising of cigarettes and the sale of tobacco products to minors have been banned in more than 80% of the countries in the Region. Smoking in restaurants and bars continues to be regulated less strictly, however. Ireland, Turkey and the United Kingdom are the first countries to make public places 100% smoke free.

Diabetes Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar) or alternatively, when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. The overall risk of dying among people with diabetes is at least double the risk of their peers without diabetes.

Diabetes: Quick facts and figures About 347 million people worldwide have diabetes. There is an emerging global epidemic of diabetes that can be traced back to rapid increases in overweight, obesity and physical inactivity.

Diabetes: Quick facts and figures Diabetes is predicted to become the seventh leading cause of death in the world by the year 2030. Total deaths from diabetes are projected to rise by more than 50% in the next 10 years.

Diabetes: Quick facts and figures 80% of diabetes deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. In developed countries most people with diabetes are above the age of retirement, whereas in developing countries those most frequently affected are aged between 35 and 64.

Diabetes: Health implications Elevated blood sugar is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes, and over time can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Some health complications from diabetes include: Diabetic retinopathy Diabetic neuropathy Diabetes is among the leading causes of kidney failure; 10-20% of people with diabetes die of kidney failure. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke; 50% of people with diabetes die of cardiovascular disease (primarily heart disease and stroke).

Diabetes: Prevention Without urgent action, diabetes-related deaths will increase by more than 50% in the next 10 years. To help prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications, people should: Achieve and maintain healthy body weight. Be physically active - at least 30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity activity on most days. Early diagnosis can be accomplished through relatively inexpensive blood testing. Treatment of diabetes involves lowering blood sugar and the levels of other known risk factors that damage blood vessels. Tobacco cessation is also important to avoid complications.

Diabetes: Control People with type 1 diabetes require insulin; people with type 2 diabetes can be treated with oral medication, but may also require insulin. Blood pressure control Foot care Other cost saving interventions include: Screening and treatment for retinopathy (which causes blindness); Blood lipid control (to regulate cholesterol levels); Screening for early signs of diabetes-related kidney disease and treatment. These measures should be supported by a healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use.

Obesity Obesity is one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. Its prevalence has tripled in many countries of the WHO European Region since the 1980s, and the numbers of those affected continue to rise at an alarming rate, particularly among children. In addition to causing various physical disabilities and psychological problems, excess weight drastically increases a person’s risk of developing a number of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. The risk of developing more than one of these diseases (co-morbidity) also increases with increasing body weight.

Obesity Overweight and obesity are defined as "abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health“ Body mass index (BMI) – the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters (kg/m2) – is a commonly used index to classify overweight and obesity in adults. WHO defines overweight as a BMI equal to or more than 25, and obesity as a BMI equal to or more than 30.

Obesity: Quick facts and figures More than 1.4 billion adults were overweight in 2008, and more than half a billion obese In 2008, more than 1.4 billion adults were overweight and more than half a billion were obese. At least 2.8 million people each year die as a result of being overweight or obese. The prevalence of obesity has nearly doubled between 1980 and 2008. Once associated with high-income countries, obesity is now also prevalent in low- and middle-income countries.

Obesity: Quick facts and figures Globally, over 40 million preschool children were overweight in 2008 Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. Overweight children are likely to become obese adults. They are more likely than non- overweight children to develop diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age, which in turn are associated with a higher chance of premature death and disability.

Obesity: Quick facts and figures Overweight and obesity are linked to more deaths worldwide than underweight 65% of the world's population live in a country where overweight and obesity kills more people than underweight. This includes all high-income and middle-income countries. Globally, 44% of diabetes, 23% of ischaemic heart disease and 7– 41% of certain cancers are attributable to overweight and obesity.

Obesity: Quick facts and figures Supportive environments and communities are fundamental in shaping people’s choices and preventing obesity Individual responsibility can only have its full effect where people have access to a healthy lifestyle, and are supported to make healthy choices. WHO mobilizes the range of stakeholders who have vital roles to play in shaping healthy environments and making healthier diet options affordable and easily accessible.

Obesity: Quick facts and figures The global obesity epidemic requires a population-based multisectoral, multi- disciplinary, and culturally relevant approach WHO's Action Plan for the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases provides a roadmap to establish and strengthen initiatives for the surveillance, prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases, including obesity.

Noncommunicable diseases: country income About 30% of people dying from NCDs in low- and middle-income countries are aged under 60 years and are in their most productive period of life. The prevalence of NCDs is rising rapidly and is projected to cause almost three-quarters as many deaths as communicable, maternal, perinatal, and nutritional diseases by 2020, and to exceed them as the most common causes of death by 2030. In most middle- and high-income countries NCDs were responsible for more deaths than all other causes of death combined, with almost all high- income countries reporting the proportion of NCD deaths to total deaths to be more than 70%.

Noncommunicable diseases: Current status and trends in risk factors Common, preventable risk factors underlie most NCDs. These risk factors are a leading cause of the death and disability burden in nearly all countries, regardless of economic development. The leading risk factor globally for mortality is: raised blood pressure (responsible for 13% of deaths globally), followed by tobacco use (9%), raised blood glucose (6%), physical inactivity (6%), overweight and obesity (5%).

Noncommunicable diseases: Current status and trends in risk factors The prevalence of these risk factors varied between country income groups, with the pattern of variation differing between risk factors and with gender. High-, middle- and low- income countries had differing risk profiles. Several risk factors have the highest prevalence in high- income countries. These include: physical inactivity among women, total fat consumption, raised total cholesterol. Some risk factors have become more common in middle- income countries. These include: tobacco use among men, overweight and obesity.

Noncommunicable diseases: parameters for estimation of behavioural and metabolic risk factors current daily tobacco smoking: the percentage of the population aged 15 or older who smoke tobacco on a daily basis. physical inactivity: the percentage of the population aged 15 or older engaging in less than 30 minutes of moderate activity per week or less than 20 minutes of vigorous activity three times per week, or the equivalent. raised blood pressure: the percentage of the population aged 25 or older having systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg or on medication to lower blood pressure.

Noncommunicable diseases: parameters for estimation of behavioural and metabolic risk factors raised blood glucose: the percentage of the population aged 25 or older having a fasting plasma glucose value ≥ 7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/dl) or on medication for raised blood glucose. overweight: the percentage of the population aged 20 or older having a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2. obesity: the percentage of the population aged 20 or older having a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2. raised cholesterol: the percentage of the population aged 25 or older having a total cholesterol value ≥ 5.0 mmol/L (190 mg/dl).

Noncommunicable diseases: Prevention and Control of NCDs Millions of deaths can be prevented by stronger implementation of measures that exist today. These include policies that promote government-wide action against NCDs: stronger anti-tobacco controls promoting healthier diets, physical activity, reducing harmful use of alcohol; along with improving people's access to essential health care.

Noncommunicable diseases: Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases There is the 2008-2013 Action Plan for the implementation of the WHO Global Strategy on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases. This Action Plan was endorsed by the 2008 World Health Assembly. It provides countries a roadmap for taking action against NCDs, including raising the priority of NCD control, improving disease surveillance, enabling governments to take comprehensive action against the diseases, and protecting countries, particularly developing, from the burden of the epidemic.

Noncommunicable diseases: The six objectives of the 2008-2013 Action Plan are: To raise the priority accorded to noncommunicable disease in development work at global and national levels, and to integrate prevention and control of such diseases into policies across all government departments To establish and strengthen national policies and plans for the revention and control of noncommunicable diseases To promote interventions to reduce the main shared modifiable risk factors for noncommunicable diseases : tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol

Noncommunicable diseases: The six objectives of the 2008-2013 Action Plan are: To promote research for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases To promote partnerships for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases To monitor noncommunicable diseases and their determinants Evaluate progress at the national, regional and global levels

First global ministerial conference on healthy lifestyles and noncommunicable disease control 28-29 April 2011, Moscow, the Russian Federation The aim of the conference was to support Member States develop and strengthen policies and programmes on healthy lifestyles and NCD prevention. The conference had three main goals: to highlight the magnitude and socio-economic impact of NCDs; to review international experience on NCD prevention and control; to provide evidence on the pressing need to strengthen global and national initiatives to prevent NCDs as part of national health plans and sustainable development frameworks

UN General Assembly’s commitment to fight noncommunicable diseases UN General Assembly adopt of the political declaration on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases. For the first time, global leaders have reached consensus in the General Assembly on concrete actions to tackle these diseases. Governments agreed on the need for global targets to monitor these diseases and their risk factors like tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and the harmful use of alcohol.

UN General Assembly’s commitment to fight noncommunicable diseases Global leaders committed to greater efforts to prevent and treat noncommunicable diseases and improve health care including better access to vital medicines. Success will depend on the engagement of non-health sectors such as finance, agriculture, transportation, urban development, and trade. Governments will integrate policies to reduce noncommunicable diseases into health planning processes and national development agendas. The declaration is a clear signal that global leaders acknowledge the devastating impact of noncommunicable diseases worldwide and that they are committed to reducing it. The next step is to act on those commitments.

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