Page 74 - University of Pretoria Research Review 2017
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NON-COMMUNICABLE
DISEASES
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for more than 65% of all deaths worldwide, and are of pandemic proportions in sub-Saharan Africa and South Africa. More than 80% of NCD-related deaths
occur as a result of four disease groups: heart and
blood vessel disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung disease. Tobacco use, harmful substance abuse, being sedentary, and unhealthy diets are considered to be the main risk factors. Exercise is considered to be critically important for the prevention of NCDs.
