The report highlights a stark gender divide. Since 1990, chronic disease mortality has risen by 68% among women, compared to 51% in men.
India is undergoing a major shift in its health landscape, with chronic diseases now emerging as the leading cause of death. A new study published in The Lancet reveals a sharp rise in mortality from conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses—once considered ailments of high-income nations. Alarmingly, women are bearing the heaviest toll of this health crisis.
A Three-Decade Trend
The study, titled “Benchmarking Progress in Non-Communicable Diseases: A Global Analysis of Cause-Specific Mortality from 2001 to 2019”, used data from the World Health Organization’s Global Health Estimates and the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) project. It shows a dramatic increase in non-communicable disease (NCD) deaths in India over the last three decades.
Between 1990 and 2019, NCD-related deaths rose by 59%. While only 37% of total deaths in India were due to NCDs in 1990, by 2019 that share had surged to 60%. This shift reflects India’s transition from battling infectious diseases to confronting lifestyle-driven, long-term conditions that are largely preventable with timely interventions.
Key Findings from the Study
- Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs): Responsible for nearly 30% of all deaths in 2019, CVDs remain the top cause of mortality. Factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and poor diet drive this rise.
- Cancer: Lung, breast, and cervical cancers dominate cancer-related deaths. Lifestyle choices including tobacco and alcohol use, combined with low screening rates, worsen the problem.
- Diabetes and Respiratory Diseases: Rising obesity and sedentary living are worsening diabetes rates. Chronic respiratory illnesses, linked to pollution and smoking, are also increasing, especially in cities.
Women at Greater Risk
One of the study’s most striking insights is the gender disparity. Since 1990, chronic disease mortality has risen by 68% among women, compared to 51% in men. Several factors contribute to this disparity:
- Lifestyle Changes: Women face higher risks from sedentary routines, carbohydrate-heavy diets, and low fruit and vegetable intake.
- Healthcare Gaps: Many women, particularly in rural India, face barriers to healthcare access, affordability, and awareness. Late-stage diagnoses of breast and cervical cancer worsen outcomes.
- Biological Factors: Post-menopausal women are more susceptible to heart disease, while cervical and breast cancer incidence has grown due to late detection.
The Role of Urbanization and Lifestyle Shift
India’s rapid urbanization has intensified exposure to NCD risk factors. City life often involves long hours at desk jobs, rising stress, minimal physical activity, and increased consumption of processed food. Air pollution in urban centres further aggravates respiratory diseases.
What This Means for India
The Lancet study is a clear warning for India to prioritise its fight against NCDs. Beyond improving healthcare infrastructure, policies must address lifestyle changes and create gender-sensitive strategies. Regular screenings, awareness campaigns, and accessible treatment can help curb the rising toll, particularly among women.