2014 report on Chinese resident’s chronic disease and nutrition

Source: en.nhfpc.gov.cn

Updated: 2015-06-15

III. Smoking, excessive drinking, lack of exercise and other health risks still prevail.

China has 300 million smokers. A total of 28.1 percent of those above 15 years old are smokers, 52.9 percent of whom are male. 72.4 percent of nonsmokers are exposed to passive smoking. In 2012, those 18 years old and above consumed three liters of alcohol each. A total of 9.3 percent of them were excessive drinkers, and 11.1 percent of them were male. Adults who exercise regularly accounted for 18.7 percent of all.

IV. Prevalence of major chronic diseases is on the rise.

In 2012, hypertension prevalence rates among those 18 years old and above was 25.2 percent. The diabetes rate was 9.7 percent. Both rates increased significantly compared with 2002. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease rate among those of 40 years old and above was 9.9 percent. China saw cancer prevalence rates rise over the past 20 years. The rate was 235 out of 100,000 people, as was showed by the national tumor registration. Lung cancer is the most frequently-occurring cancer among men, and breast cancer among women.

Chronic disease mortality nationwide was 533 out of 100,000 people in 2012, accounting for 86.6 percent of all death tolls. Cardio-cerebrovascular disease, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases were mainly to blame, accounting for 79.4 percent of total deaths. Cardio-cerebrovascular disease mortality rate was 271.8 out of 100,000 people. Cancer mortality rate was 144.3 out of 100,000 people (the top five cancers were lung, liver, gastric, esophageal and colorectal cancers). Chronic respiratory disease mortality rate was 68 out of 100,000 people.

Occurrence of chronic disease is closely connected to lifestyle, environment, economy and society. China’s rapid population aging, urbanization and industrialization are decisive factors behind the rising incidence of chronic diseases. The widely prevalent unhealthy lifestyle is mainly to blame for frequent chronic disease attacks.

China still faces grim chronic disease and deaths, considering the above-mentioned factors and changes. Chronic disease prevention and control work will face huge challenges. The central government pays great attention to chronic disease prevention and control, as well as nutrition improvement. The NHFPC and relevant departments will take powerful and effective measures to curb the frequent occurrence of chronic disease and continue to improve nutrition and health conditions.

First, the government will take the lead and other departments will cooperate to integrate chronic disease prevention and control into public policies. Departments will strengthen governance, and issue a series of public policies. They will join forces in environmental governance, tobacco control, physical fitness, nutrition improvement, food safety, and social assistance. The policy environment for sustainable development of chronic disease prevention and control is taking shape. In 2011, the NHFPC initiated a chronic disease prevention and control demonstration zone. To date, a total of 265 national demonstration zones have been built in 30 provinces and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. They play an important role in implementing government responsibilities and offering supportive health environments .

Second, chronic disease prevention, treatment and work mechanisms will be built. The national chronic disease center with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nutrition and health institute, National Cancer Center, and the National Center for Cardiovascular Disease have been established. They will work together to guide chronic disease prevention and treatment as well as nutrition improvement nationwide. Regional disease prevention and control facilities have been enhanced. Hospitals and primary medical and healthcare institutes will work together and develop coordination mechanisms integrating prevention with treatment, and traditional Chinese and western medicines. Efforts will be made to explore the chronic disease prevention and treatment management. Hypertension and diabetes will be targeted to push forward a tiered system of medical care and improve chronic disease diagnosis and treatment. Equal access to essential public health services will be strengthened step by step.