Question

Although infectious disease control and emergency preparedness remain vital to the public’s health, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries are now the leading causes of disability and premature death.

Cancer and diabetes are NCDs that are responsible for more than 50% of deaths worldwide, making them the leading cause of mortality in the world. As the global health community works to find solutions to these illnesses, it is important to recognize that these diseases can come in a variety of forms and often those affected are plagued by stigmatization or simple lack of awareness. This leads to low rates of treatment and high rates of preventable complications, including death.

Research an NCD of your choice and describe its impact on your community/city/state. Tampa, Florida, Hillsborough County

Cancer an NCD and its impacts on the community.

Answer 1

Based on the report from the American Cancer Society and the LIVESTRONG organization cancer has a great impact on the economic system from its premature deaths and disability. WHO also concludes that cancer is the disease which has the most devastating economic impact of any cause of death in the world.

The global portfolio for counteracting cancer must be strengthened with additional resources to reduce its impact on the society. The quick action can prevent the needless deaths.

The substantial progress in the early diagnosis and treatment of many cancers increases life expectancy and provides hope to be cured or to live with cancer as a chronic non-communicable disease (NCD).

In the United States, the cancer incidence is very high like one in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. The number of cancer survivors is approximately 15 million. The expected rate by 2024 is 19 million.

People more than 65 years are high risk and more than 60% of all cancers occur among them. The remaining 40% of cancers occur in the age group of 20 to 64 and less than 1% are age 19 or younger.

Treatment-related damage impacts the people more than the cure and disease.

Psychological impact:

The fear of disease will affect the psychological well-being of the people. The anxiety related to the doubt on the quality of treatment is very high. The burden of cancer on the different fields of life will impose more tension on the client.

If cured also the fear of reoccurrence will be present with most of the patients. The fear and anxiety may interfere with the normal relationships and in day-to-day functioning. The breakage of the communication barrier and social stigma of cancer can aid in improving the psychological well-being.

Economic Impact:

Cancer always has the great impact on the economic system like any other chronic diseases. When comparing the effects, cancer has the upper hand. Cancer may cause great financial instability both by treatment and by affecting the productivity of the client. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) found that in the US, the direct medical costs for cancer in 2015 was $80.2 billion.

•           52% of this cost is for hospital outpatient or doctor office visits

•           38% of this cost is for inpatient hospital stays

Lack of health insurance may add to the problem.

Social impact:

The fear of change in social role will be present in most of the cancer patients. The awkward feeling of pitied by the fellow beings and family may ruin the relationships. A patient will have a fear of losing the social relationships. Without proper social support, it would be difficult to survive.