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Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, are a diverse group of diseases that are not caused by infectious agents. Some common examples of NCDs include cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke), cancer, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma), and diabetes. In India, NCDs are a major public health concern, as they are responsible for a significant portion of the country's overall disease burden according to the general medicine specialists in Bangalore.
NCDs and their Prevalence in India
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are chronic conditions that are not passed from person to person, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. The prevalence of NCDs is increasing in India, and they are now the leading cause of death in the country. In 2016, NCDs accounted for nearly 60% of all deaths in India, and this number is expected to increase in the coming years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of deaths from NCDs in India increased from 2.3 million in 2000 to 3.8 million in 2016. This trend is expected to continue, with the WHO projecting that NCDs will account for nearly 75% of all deaths in India by 2030.
The increasing prevalence of NCDs in India is a cause for concern, as these conditions can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, and they place a heavy burden on the healthcare system and the economy.
Common Types of NCDs in India
Some of the most common types of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India include heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in India, followed by stroke and chronic respiratory diseases. Cancer is also a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in India, with common types including breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. With an estimated 77 million people living with the condition, diabetes is another major health concern in India. NCDs that are most prevalent in India are:
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Cardiovascular diseases (IHD)
Cardiovascular diseases such as Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is one of the leading NCD in India. It is a set of heart problems caused by narrowed heart (coronary) arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. A buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries (atherosclerosis) is the most common cause of coronary artery disease.
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Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs)
CRDs have an impact on the lungs' airways and other pulmonary structures. The most prevalent ones include pulmonary hypertension, asthma, occupational lung disorders, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Most common causes of chronic respiratory diseases are tobacco smoking (including secondhand smoke), air pollution, allergens and occupational risks.
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Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Adults with diabetes have a two- to three-fold increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. The exact cause of diabetes is unknown but it may be caused by a combination of genetic or environmental factors.
Read: How to Reverse Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
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Cancer (Breast)
Cancer, especially, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in India. There are several different types of breast cancer, depending on the specific cells and tissues affected. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Apart from that, a personal or family condition of breast condition can cause breast cancer.
According to a study report by ICMR, the proportion of deaths due to Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India have increased from 37.9% in 1990 to 61.8% in 2016.
Risk Factors for NCDs in India
The main risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India include tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and harmful use of alcohol. These risk factors are responsible for the majority of NCDs in India and are strongly associated with the development of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. In addition to these modifiable risk factors, certain medical conditions and genetic factors can also increase the risk of developing an NCD. These risk factors are often linked to the country's rapid economic growth and urbanisation, as well as the adoption of unhealthy lifestyle behaviours.
It is important for individuals to be aware of these risk factors and to take steps to reduce their risk of developing an NCD. This may include quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, and limiting alcohol consumption.
Suggested Read: Know How to Detect Cancer in Early Stages and Save Lives
Impact of NCDs on Public Health and the Economy in India
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have a significant impact on public health and the economy in India. NCDs are the leading cause of death in India, and they are a major cause of morbidity and disability. This has a major impact on the healthcare system, as the treatment of NCDs can be costly and can place a heavy burden on hospitals and other healthcare facilities. In addition, the loss of productivity and earnings due to NCDs can have a major impact on the economy. NCDs can also affect the quality of life of individuals and their families, and they can have a significant impact on social and economic development in India.
The impact of NCDs on the Indian population is particularly severe, as it disproportionately affects disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, such as the poor, the elderly, and women. For example, the WHO estimates that almost 60% of deaths from NCDs in India occur in people under the age of 70, and that the disease burden is 2-3 times higher in rural areas compared to urban areas.
Dr. Dinesh Kumar Mangal, Consultant - Radiation Oncology, Manipal Hospitals, Jaipur demystifies the most common myths around cancer. Watch the video below to know the misconceptions and the importance of biopsy and early treatments for cancer.
How Manipal Hospitals is helping in the Fight against NCDs in India?
Manipal Hospitals, a leading healthcare provider is playing a crucial role in addressing the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India. Some ways that we are helping in tackling the rising cases of NCDs in India include:
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Providing education and awareness
We provide education and awareness about the risk factors for NCDs, such as unhealthy diets, tobacco and alcohol use, and physical inactivity. This can help individuals make informed choices about their health and reduce their risk of developing NCDs.
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Offering screening and early detection
We offer screening and early detection for various NCDs, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. This can help identify individuals who are at risk for these conditions and provide timely treatment, which can prevent or delay the progression of NCDs.
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Providing access to quality care
We are committed to providing quality care for individuals with NCDs. This includes providing access to specialised medical services, such as cancer treatment and cardiac care, as well as support services, such as nutrition counselling and physical therapy.
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Promoting healthy lifestyles
We not only treat patients but also promote healthy lifestyles among people through community-based programs, such as fitness classes and nutrition workshops, as well as providing education and resources to patients and their families to help prevent the development of NCDs.
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Supporting research and innovation
Manipal Hospitals support research and innovation in the field of NCDs. This includes conducting clinical trials to test new treatments and therapies, as well as collaborating with other healthcare providers and organisations to advance knowledge and improve care for individuals with NCDs.
Future Outlook for NCDs in India
The future outlook for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India looks promising. Despite the cases of NCDs expected to continue to increase in the coming years, the widespread availability of care and treatment will help curb the rise.
The Indian government along with the best general medicine hospital in Bangalore, Manipal Hospitals will continue to implement effective prevention and control measures to address the NCD epidemic in the country. This may include efforts to reduce the prevalence of risk factors for NCDs, such as tobacco use and unhealthy diet, as well as efforts to improve access to quality care for people with NCDs.
FAQs
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What are non-communicable diseases (NCDs)?
Non-communicable diseases, or NCDs, are chronic conditions that are not caused by infectious agents. Examples of NCDs include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases.
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What is the situation of NCDs in India?
In recent years, the prevalence of NCDs in India has been on the rise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs are responsible for 60% of all deaths in India. This is a significant increase from just a few decades ago, when communicable diseases were the leading cause of death in the country.
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What are the main causes of the rise of NCDs in India?
There are several factors that have contributed to the rise of NCDs in India. These include:
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Unhealthy diets
The increasing availability and affordability of processed and high-fat foods has led to a rise in the consumption of unhealthy diets, which can increase the risk of NCDs.
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Physical inactivity
The adoption of sedentary lifestyles, coupled with the proliferation of sedentary occupations, has led to a decrease in physical activity levels, which can also increase the risk of NCDs.
- Tobacco and alcohol use
The use of tobacco and alcohol is a significant risk factor for NCDs. In India, the prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use is high, particularly among men.
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What are the consequences of the rise of NCDs in India?
The rise of NCDs in India has serious consequences for the country's population and economy. Some of the consequences of the rise of NCDs in India include:
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Increased morbidity and mortality
NCDs are responsible for a significant proportion of deaths in India. This has a negative impact on the overall health of the population.
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Economic burden
The treatment of NCDs is expensive, and the rising prevalence of NCDs in India is placing a heavy burden on the country's healthcare system and economy.
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Lost productivity
NCDs can result in lost productivity due to absenteeism from work and decreased productivity among those who are able to work.
