Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are chronic diseases that are not transmitted from one person to another. These illnesses can last a long time and may worsen over time. Major NCDs include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. Other NCDs include neurological diseases, mental diseases, musculoskeletal diseases and digestive diseases. Common risk factors for NCDs include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and exposure to environmental pollution.
The prevalence percentages of these diseases may vary depending on the region and the population studied. Below are general estimates of global prevalence percentages for some of these diseases:
