Chronic Disease Prevention and the New Public Health

Chronic diseases are the major causes of morbidity and mortality across the globe in developed and developing countries, and in countries transitioning from former socialist status. Chronic diseases — including heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory diseases — share major risk factors beyond genetics and social inequalities including tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and lack of access to preventive care. There are evidence-based interventions that are effective in modifying these risks and subsequently preventing disease. Evidence for prevention is strongest for measures aimed at reducing tobacco use and increasing physical activity, while large gaps remai…