(4) What are the human and financial costs of non-communicable diseases?

Millions of people die around the world every year from non-communicable diseases.

Non-communicable diseases decrease quality of life and life expectancy.

But, it isn't just the sufferers who are affected, but friends and family too.

There will be emotional strains and possibly financial strain too if the affected person is unable to work, reducing the family income. Homes may need to adapted if mobility is a problem.

There is also the extra burden and costs to health services - costs of providing the medical care and research into treating non-communicable medical conditions.

There are other costs too - if still in employment but unable to work properly for longer periods of time - the employer and ultimately the country has to bear the cost of reduced productivity in the workforce as a whole.

Millions of 'working days' are lost as a result of people with non-communicable diseases - and, as we have discussed, many of them are preventable, or there effects reduced, by thinking carefully and acting to adopt a more healthy lifestyle.

Non-communicable diseases are most common in the poorest areas, even in a rich developed country. There is a higher incidence of illness, ill-health in general, in poorer families
 

Here you find the greater levels of excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, poorer diet and smoking in the population. Not surprising in these same areas you find higher incidences of non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases, liver disease or lung conditions.

This situation puts extra pressure on local health services.

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Key points Source of information is based on textbooks & syllabus-specifications for students taking the AQA GCSE, Edexcel GCSE and OCR GCSE level biology examinations (~US grades 9-10).

Key points and more ideas about the cost of non-communicable diseases

Revision notes on the human and financial costs of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

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Costs of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

1. What Are Non-Communicable Diseases?

• Non-communicable diseases are not caused by pathogens and cannot be passed from person to person.

• Examples include:

  • Cancer

  • Heart disease

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Chronic respiratory diseases

  • Mental health conditions

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Human Costs

These are the personal and social impacts of NCDs on individuals and communities:

A. Physical Health

• Long-term illness or disability

• Reduced quality of life

• Chronic pain, fatigue, or mobility issues

• Increased risk of early death

B. Mental and Emotional Impact

• Anxiety, depression, and stress

• Emotional strain on family and carers

• Social isolation due to illness or stigma

C. Lifestyle Limitations

• Inability to work or attend school

• Reduced independence

• Need for long-term care or support

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Financial Costs

These are the economic impacts on individuals, families, healthcare systems, and society:

A. Individual and Family Costs

• Loss of income if the person cannot work

• Cost of medication, treatment, or travel to hospital

• Family members may need to give up work to provide care

B. Healthcare System Costs

• NCDs account for a large portion of NHS spending

• Long-term treatment (e.g. dialysis, chemotherapy) is expensive

• Hospitals may become overburdened, affecting other services

C. National and Global Costs

• Reduced workforce productivity

• Increased benefit payments and social care costs

• Slower economic growth in countries with high NCD rates

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Why Is This Important in Human Biology?

• Helps students understand the real-world impact of diseases beyond biology.

• Reinforces the importance of prevention, early detection, and healthy lifestyle choices.

• Links biology to public health, economics, and social care.

• Encourages awareness of how science and society are connected.

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Quick Summary Table

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Keywords, phrases and learning objectives for this part on the human and financial costs of non-communicable diseases

Be able to describe and discuss some of the human and financial costs of non-communicable diseases e.g. decrease in quality of life, illness affects families, noting the higher incidence of illness in poorer families, and the resulting greater pressure on local health services.

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