Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the number one cause of death and disability in the world.
NCDs are non-infectious illnesses that cannot be spread from person to person, such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and mental health disorders. These often result in long-term health consequences and create a need for long-term treatment and care. Many NCDs can be prevented by reducing common risk factors such as tobacco use, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets. Alcohol, for example, is linked to seven types of cancer. (Balance North East. (2022). Alcohol and Cancer)
Lung cancer has the biggest impact on life expectancy for women in Gateshead and although lung cancer mortality rates have increased over time for females, they are now starting to reduce. Mortality rates for lung cancer are lower for females, at 75.7 per 100,000 compared with 94.3 per 100,000 for males (2017-19).
Mortality rate from lung cancer (three year range,) directly standardised rate - per 100,000 (Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. (2023) Public health profiles.)
This may be partly explained by the smoking prevalence trend for both females and males (males from the passive smoking impact). Smoking prevalence is coming down for females at a faster rate than it is for males. (Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. (2023) Public health profiles.)
Smoking prevalence in adults (18+) - current smokers (APS)(Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. (2023) Public health profiles.)
The under 75 mortality rate from respiratory disease that is considered to be preventable is remaining stable for males, but appears to be increasing for females. (Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. (2023) Public health profiles.)
Under 75 mortality rate from respiratory disease considered preventable (2019 definition) (Female three year range) (Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. (2023) Public health profiles.)
Mortality from liver disease that is considered to be preventable has increased recently for females, but has remained quite stable for males. It is concerning that hospital admissions for alcohol specific conditions have been rising for females living in Gateshead, whereas a small decrease is observed nationally. (Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. (2023) Public health profiles.)
Hospital admissions for alcohol specific conditions (female)Directly standardised rate per 100,000 (Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. (2023) Public health profiles.)
It is important to consider the whole system and the underlying root causes and wider infrastructure when addressing health conditions. This will enable real change to occur with improved outcomes.(Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. (2023) Public health profiles.)
