Burden of chronic noncommunicable diseases increases in China: report

BEIJING -- A recent report predicted that the Chinese people will face an increasing burden from chronic noncommunicable diseases as the country's population is aging rapidly.

By 2030, the burden of chronic noncommunicable diseases will rise by at least 40 percent in China compared to 2012, said the report issued by Peking Union Medical College and the Chinese Aging Well Association.

Chronic noncommunicable diseases caused nearly 80 percent of the deaths of old Chinese people in 2012.

The report also cited a World Health Organization report that major health problems the Chinese people aged 60 or above faced in 2012 included cerebral strokes, malignant tumors, ischaemic heart disease, diseases of the respiratory system and diabetes.

The report said by 2026, China will be "an aged society" with more than 14 percent of the total population aged 65 and above.