Alice RD
Reportedly, $35 trillion may be the global cost of cancer and other chronic diseases by 2030 if rates of these diseases rise as projected. That’s seven times the current level of total global health spending.
This is according to a preliminary report sponsored by the World Economic Forum to estimate the global economic burden of noncommunicable diseases. David Bloom, professor at Harvard School of Public Health is leading the project.
In his report, Bloom states that costs of these diseases “will evolve into a staggering economic burden over the next two decades.” But, says Bloom, devoting more resources to prevention, screening and treatment could help ease the burden.
This report makes it clearer than ever that much of the cost, loss and suffering of cancer, both globally and in the United States, can be prevented. AICR estimates that about 1/3 of the most common cancer cases could be prevented if everyone would follow a healthy diet, stay a healthy weight and be more physically active.
We can each begin to move toward a healthier lifestyle by taking small steps – adding a few minutes of physical activity throughout the day, taking smaller portion sizes and making a greater portion of our plates vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains.
American families could make these changes more easily if all sectors of society – schools, businesses, government and others – would help create an environment where the healthy choice is the easy choice.
To learn more about policy and cancer prevention, AICR/WCRF’s Policy and Action for Cancer Prevention examines the factors that influence behaviors associated with cancer risk, and provides comprehensive recommendations for government, industry, and others.
