Chronic Diseases, Ageing Population

Also known as noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), chronic diseases result from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioral factors. They include cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and strokes), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes (see reference 1).

41 million people die each year from a chronic disease, representing 74% of all deaths worldwide. These diseases are also responsible for 17 million premature deaths (before the age of 70) every year, while 86% of these deaths occur in low- or middle-income countries (see reference 1).

Tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets and air pollution all increase the risk of dying from an NCD (see reference 1).

Recognizing this major global health challenge, Unisanté conducts wide-ranging research in the field of chronic diseases:

Epidemiology and monitoring of chronic diseases and their risk factors (in particular through the Vaud Cantonal Cancer Registry)
Cancer screening through cantonal programs in Vaud and cancer assessments
Chronic disease prevention, including health promotion
Assessment of public policies and health economics related to chronic diseases and their risk factors
Ageing, frailty and associated multimorbidity
Gender and social medicine related to chronic diseases and their risk factors