Changing behaviors to prevent noncommunicable diseases

Abstract

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)—largely comprising cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic pulmonary disease, and diabetes—are the most important global health issues of the 21st century, as measured by both mortality and morbidity (1, 2). These diseases are as preventable across entire populations as are infectious diseases, but require a different approach—one that involves policy change to promote healthy behaviors.