India faces rising non-communicable disease deaths, women disproportionately affected: Lancet Study

A recent study published in The Lancet reveals a concerning upward trend in deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India, with women experiencing a disproportionate impact.

While global NCD mortality rates declined between 2010 and 2019, India has seen the opposite trend.

The probability of a female dying from an NCD between birth and age 80 was 46.7% in 2001, remained relatively stable at 46.6% in 2011, but rose to 48.7% by 2019.

In contrast, men’s risk increased from 56% in 2001 to 57.9% in 2019. Women in India face higher risks of mortality from certain NCDs, including lung cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, which have seen rising mortality rates among women.

Experts attribute the trend to urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary changes, leading to increased prevalence of obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption among women.

Limited access to healthcare, cultural norms, economic constraints, and mobility restrictions often delay diagnosis and treatment.

Additionally, NCDs in women are sometimes underreported or misdiagnosed, particularly in rural areas, due to lack of awareness and gender biases in healthcare.

The rising NCD mortality rates among women underscore the need for targeted public health interventions, including awareness campaigns, improved access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment services, and policies addressing social determinants of health such as education, employment, and gender equality.

Addressing the rising burden of NCDs among women is crucial for improving public health outcomes in India and achieving sustainable development goals.