A disease that does not arise due infectious process is termed as a non-communicable disease (NCD). Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse, environment and psychological conditions are primarily responsible for NCDs. Some of the most common NCDs are cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dementia and other congenital diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs are now the chief cause of deaths worldwide.
Cancer
The National Cancer Institute defines cancer as an abnormal growth of cells which invades nearby tissues thereby affecting the surrounding area. Cancer can affect your respiratory system, digestive system, reproductive system, nervous system or any other part of your body. Cancers of lungs, breast, prostate, pancreas, colon and rectal, skin are most common. Per the American Cancer Society, various cancer types were responsible for 7.6 million deaths globally in 2007. About 77 percent of all cancers of detected in people age 55 and older.
Cardiovascular Diseases
The diseases of heart or blood vessels come under the category of cardiovascular diseases. They affect the arteries and veins within your body. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, males are more susceptible to major cardiovascular diseases than women. The death rate for males is 42 percent more as compared to that of females. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle significantly brings down the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that raises your blood glucose level. This happens because of your body's inability to produce or respond to insulin produced by pancreas. Insulin, on the other hand, is crucial for converting sugar, starch and other nutrients from your body into energy. Once developed, diabetes further leads to other fatal conditions such as kidney failure and heart problems. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), nearly 285 million people worldwide are affected by diabetes. Lack of physical activity, being overweight, stress and genetics lead to diabetes.
Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory disease that affects the lungs and causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. According to National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, in America, there are more than 22 million asthma cases. Asthma is characterized by repeated bouts of chest tightening, wheezing, coughing and breathing problems.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a cognitive disorder that affects the part of the brain that controls memory and language. As a result, sufferers have difficulty making plans, reasoning and perceiving circumstances. The disease brings about a lot of personality changes and leads to complete disorientation of time. According to the Alzheimer's Association, presently 5.3 million people in America are suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
