Approximately 20% of men in Europe succumb to conditions that could have been avoided through appropriate health measures
In the heart of Europe, a silent epidemic is claiming lives - non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that these preventable killers are responsible for 1.8 million deaths every year in the region, with Cancer and Diabetes being significant contributors.
Tobacco, booze, salty snacks, and sugary treats - these seemingly harmless ingredients are the hidden villains behind Europe's increasing NCD cases, particularly Cancer and Diabetes. The WHO regional office in Copenhagen reports that around 60% of NCD deaths can be directly linked to risk factors like tobacco consumption, unhealthy diets, obesity, and physical inactivity. And the worst part? Society holds the power to address these issues through better health policies.
Critics claim that if NCDs were a virus, the world would've long been in lockdown. Better prevention or treatment, advocates the WHO, could not only prevent almost two million deaths but also save billions in productivity losses. However, the investment in prevention falls short, leading to unnecessary mortality and costs.
The European region encompasses 53 countries, ranging from the 27 EU member states to Eastern Europe's Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and Central Asian countries. Although the differences in mortality rates have decreased since 2010, the report reveals that mortality rates are lower in wealthy countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland but extremely high in the eastern parts.
Unveiling the Real Killers
- Smoking: No stranger to the list, tobacco use stands as a significant driver of preventable deaths, particularly cancer-related ones.
- Poor Diet: Junk food, high in sugar and fat, is a known culprit for diabetes and cancer, among other NCDs.
- Obesity: A growing problem across Europe, obesity leads to diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
- High Blood Pressure: A risk factor common in both illnesses, high blood pressure can exacerbate related complications, including cardiovascular conditions linked to diabetes.
- Alcohol Use: Booze is increasingly contributing to alcohol-related liver diseases, cancer, and heart diseases.
- Physical Inactivity: Lying on the couch could be the cause of your diabetes or cancer, as physical inactivity raises the risk of these diseases.
The Inevitable Reality
Every fifth man and every tenth woman in Europe dies before 70 due to NCDs. The irony - a massive chunk of these deaths could be preventable, given the right health measures and quality treatment. As we continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, progress towards reducing premature mortality from NCDs has been slow. The good news? A focus on oral health, linked to systemic NCDs like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, is emerging as an essential preventive measure to curb overall disease burden and health disparities.
[1] WHO European Region Country Mortality Profiles, 2021[5] European Journal of Epidemiology, 2019
- Europe
- Cancer
- Disease
- World Health Organization
- Diabetes
- Enacting comprehensive community policies, focusing on both tobacco control and promotion of healthy diets, could significantly reduce the prevalence of preventable diseases like Cancer and Diabetes in Europe.
- In the context of Europe's escalating chronic diseases, particularly type-2 diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), research in the fields of science and medical-conditions plays a crucial role in uncovering therapies and treatments.
- Employment policies should prioritize health and wellness, implementing initiatives that encourage fitness and exercise, mental health awareness, and nutrition education, as these factors can help tackle the rise of NCDs in the European workforce.
- In some cases, alternative treatments such as CBD oil may also prove beneficial in managing certain psychiatric and physical conditions associated with NCDs, offering an additional avenue for healthcare and wellness.
- The European region, plagued by the rise of preventable diseases, urgently requires proactive measures and investments in nutrition, fitness, mental health, and other preventive strategies to combat the silent epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
