A major global study has revealed that chronic disease deaths, including cancer, heart disease, and stroke, declined in most countries. However, progress slowed significantly after 2010, raising concerns about the effectiveness of health policies worldwide.
The study, published in The Lancet and led by Imperial College London, examined data from 185 countries between 2010 and 2019. It was supported by the UK Medical Research Council, NIHR, and the NCD Alliance, making it one of the most comprehensive reviews of global non-communicable disease (NCD) mortality.
Where Progress Has Been Achieved
Cardiovascular disease prevention had the strongest impact on reducing deaths, largely due to fewer heart attacks and strokes. Improved cancer survival rates, particularly for stomach, breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, and cervical cancers, also played a crucial role.
Yet, these gains were overshadowed by increases in deaths linked to dementia, alcohol use disorder, and aggressive cancers such as pancreatic and liver cancer.
Professor Majid Ezzati, the senior author, explained: “While many nations reduced the risk of dying from chronic disease, the overall pace of progress slowed or stalled.”
Regional Highlights and Gaps
- High-Income Countries: South Korea reported the world’s lowest female mortality risk and ranked fourth for men. Denmark, Norway, and Sweden also performed strongly, while the United States and Germany lagged behind.
- Eastern Europe: Moldova and Russia recorded progress through targeted alcohol and cardiovascular health policies.
- Latin America and Caribbean: Chile and Colombia showed leadership, but Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda recorded worsening mortality rates.
- India and China: India saw rising deaths, particularly among women, with heart disease and diabetes as primary drivers. China recorded dramatic declines, including the world’s largest reduction in COPD deaths, driven by tobacco and air pollution control.
Why the Global Slowdown Matters
Nearly 60 percent of countries experienced slower or reversed progress after 2010. Researchers identified several contributing factors:
- Slowed expansion of hypertension and diabetes treatment programs
- Limited rollout of cancer screening initiatives
- Unequal healthcare access, especially among working-age adults
Mortality trends among working-age adults shaped outcomes significantly. Nordic nations like Finland and Denmark succeeded by lowering deaths in younger populations. In contrast, the United States experienced stagnation or worsening mortality in younger groups.
Data Gaps and Policy Implications
Fewer than one-third of countries maintain complete death registration systems, with gaps especially in Pacific Island states, Africa, and South Asia. Small nations also faced inconsistent year-to-year data fluctuations.
Despite these limitations, researchers stressed the need to scale up tobacco and alcohol control measures, expand preventive care, increase cancer screening, and reduce healthcare inequality.
Dr. Leanne Riley of the World Health Organization (WHO) urged urgent action: “Progress is evident, but the global burden remains too high. We must act faster and ensure equitable access.”
Looking Ahead: UN Meeting on NCDs
The findings come just before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) and the Fourth High-Level Meeting on NCDs, where world leaders will review progress.
Professor Ezzati cautioned: “To restore the rapid progress seen in the early 2000s, governments must invest in proven health programs and policies.”
Questions and Answers
Q: Which diseases saw the biggest reductions?
Cardiovascular diseases and several cancers, including breast, colorectal, and stomach cancers, showed the most progress.
Q: Which countries achieved the best results?
South Korea, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Moldova, Russia, Chile, and China delivered some of the strongest improvements.
Q: Where did progress stall?
The United States, Germany, and several Caribbean nations reported slower progress or worsening mortality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are non-communicable diseases (NCDs)?
NCDs include chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases.
2. Why has global progress slowed?
Limited access to preventive care, unequal healthcare availability, and rising deaths from dementia, alcohol, and hard-to-treat cancers contributed.
3. Can the slowdown be reversed?
Yes. Evidence-based health policies, early detection programs, preventive medication, and wider healthcare access can accelerate progress again.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified physician or healthcare professional before starting any new health practice, treatment, or following the tips mentioned here.
