Global Progress on Reducing Non-Communicable Disease Mortality: Insights from IARC Report Highlights Need for Continued Action

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Global Decline in Noncommunicable Disease Mortality Slows, New Research Reveals

September 11, 2025

Meaningful progress has been made in reducing deaths from Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) worldwide, but the rate of improvement is diminishing, a groundbreaking study reveals. The extensive analysis, conducted by Scientists from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and partner institutions, examined mortality trends across 185 countries and territories from 2010 to 2019.

The research demonstrates that approximately 80% of nations experienced a decrease in mortality rates attributed to NCDs during the study period. However, the study also points to a concerning trend: the pace of decline is notably slower compared to the previous decade, largely due to more moderate reductions in deaths from various NCDs.

Cancer Mortality Shows Positive Trends

Notable decreases in mortality were observed in several key cancer types. Reductions in deaths from stomach cancer and colorectal cancer were recorded across both genders. Women saw declines in mortality from cervical and breast cancers, while men experienced fewer deaths from lung and prostate cancers. these observations highlight the critical importance of preventative measures and early detection programs in mitigating the global impact of cancer and other noncommunicable diseases.

Did You Know? According to the CDC, NCDs are responsible for seven out of every ten deaths in the United States alone. Learn more about NCDs from the CDC.

UN to Address Global NCD Crisis

The findings of this report are expected to heavily influence the upcoming high-level meeting at the United Nations General Assembly later this month. Heads of state and government will gather to formulate a new global strategy for the prevention and control of NCDs. The anticipated outcome is a new Political Declaration aimed at accelerating progress towards achieving ambitious goals by 2030 and beyond.

Key Findings: NCD Mortality Trends (2010-2019)

Disease Area	Observed Trend
Stomach Cancer	Decreased Mortality (Both Sexes)
Colorectal Cancer	Decreased Mortality (Both Sexes)
Cervical Cancer	Decreased Mortality (Women)
Breast Cancer	Decreased Mortality (Women)
Lung Cancer	Decreased Mortality (Men)
Prostate Cancer	Decreased Mortality (Men)

Pro Tip: Regular health checkups and screenings are crucial for the early detection of NCDs, substantially improving treatment outcomes.

The collaborative research underscores a pressing need to intensify efforts aimed at reducing the global burden of Noncommunicable Diseases. What steps can governments and individuals take to accelerate progress in this critical area? And how can we ensure equitable access to prevention and treatment resources worldwide?

Understanding Noncommunicable Diseases

Noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung diseases, are the leading cause of death globally, accounting for 74% of all deaths worldwide, according to the WHO. These conditions are often preventable through lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco use.

Effective management of NCDs requires a multifaceted approach, including early detection, access to affordable treatment, and comprehensive healthcare systems. Investing in public health infrastructure and promoting healthy lifestyles are essential for reducing the incidence and impact of these diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions about Noncommunicable Diseases

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What specific challenges, as highlighted in the text, hinder effective chronic disease management in many health systems globally?

understanding the Global Burden of ncds

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) – including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes – remain the leading cause of death globally, accounting for 74% of all deaths in 2019. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a key component of the World health Association (WHO), consistently monitors global cancer statistics and trends, providing crucial data for public health interventions. Recent IARC reports,alongside data from the WHO and other global health organizations,reveal a complex picture of progress,stagnation,and emerging challenges in the fight against NCD mortality. Effective chronic disease management is paramount.

Key Findings from Recent IARC Reports (2025 Data)

The latest IARC data, analyzed as of September 2025, indicates several critical trends:

Cancer Incidence & Mortality: Globally, cancer cases continue to rise, driven by factors like aging populations and lifestyle changes. however, mortality rates are decreasing in many high-income countries due to advancements in early detection, treatment, and cancer prevention strategies.

Cardiovascular Disease Trends: While cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of NCD deaths, mortality rates are stabilizing or declining in several regions, largely attributed to improved access to healthcare, better management of risk factors (like hypertension and high cholesterol), and public health campaigns promoting heart health.

Diabetes Prevalence: The prevalence of diabetes continues to increase globally, notably in low- and middle-income countries. This rise is linked to urbanization, dietary shifts towards processed foods, and reduced physical activity. Diabetes prevention programs are crucial.

Chronic Respiratory Disease Impact: Chronic respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, contribute significantly to NCD mortality. Air pollution, smoking, and occupational hazards remain major risk factors.

Regional Disparities: Significant disparities exist in NCD mortality rates between and within countries. Low- and middle-income countries bear a disproportionately high burden of NCD deaths, often due to limited access to healthcare, inadequate resources for prevention and treatment, and a higher prevalence of risk factors.

Progress in Specific NCD Areas: Success Stories

Despite the overall challenges, notable progress has been made in specific areas:

1. Cervical Cancer Elimination: Countries implementing widespread HPV vaccination programs and cervical cancer screening initiatives are witnessing significant reductions in incidence and mortality. Australia, for example, is on track to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.
2. Tobacco Control: Aggressive tobacco control policies – including increased taxes, smoke-free laws, and public awareness campaigns – have led to considerable declines in smoking rates and related NCDs in many countries. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has been instrumental in this progress.
3. Hypertension Management: Initiatives focused on early detection and effective management of hypertension, including access to affordable medications and lifestyle counseling, are showing positive results in reducing stroke and heart disease rates.
4. Salt Reduction: Public health campaigns promoting reduced salt intake, coupled with food industry collaborations to lower sodium content in processed foods, are contributing to lower blood pressure levels and reduced CVD risk.

Challenges and barriers to Further Progress

several challenges hinder further progress in reducing NCD mortality:

Limited Healthcare Access: Millions of peopel worldwide lack access to essential healthcare services for NCD prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Insufficient Funding: Investment in NCD prevention and control remains inadequate, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Weak Health Systems: Many health systems are ill-equipped to handle the growing burden of NCDs, lacking the necessary infrastructure, workforce, and resources.

Behavioral Risk Factors: High rates of smoking, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and harmful alcohol consumption continue to drive NCD incidence and mortality.

Commercial Determinants of Health: The aggressive marketing of unhealthy products (e.g., tobacco, processed foods, sugary drinks) by powerful industries undermines public health efforts.

The role of technology and Innovation in NCD Management

Technological advancements offer promising opportunities to improve NCD prevention and control:

Telemedicine: Remote monitoring and virtual consultations can expand access to healthcare, particularly in underserved areas.

mobile health (mHealth): Mobile apps and text messaging can deliver health facts, promote healthy behaviors, and support self-management of chronic conditions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI-powered tools can assist in early disease detection, personalized treatment planning, and drug revelation.

wearable Devices: Fitness trackers and smartwatches can monitor physical activity, sleep patterns, and other health metrics, empowering individuals to take control of their health.

* Digital Health Records: