The cost of non-communicable diseasesSpec 4.2.2.6
You need to be able to discuss the human and financial cost of these diseases to an individual, a local community, a nation or globally.
| Level | Human cost | Financial cost |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Pain, loss of independence, a shorter life | Lost income if the person cannot work. Costs of care and travel |
| Local community | Family and friends become carers. Loss of community members | Local businesses lose workers and customers |
| Nation | Many people with a reduced quality of life | Health services pay for treatment, drugs and operations. Lost working days reduce the national income |
| Global | Large numbers of early deaths and illnesses worldwide | Health care and lost work cost large amounts of money across the world |
Prevention through diet and lifestyle can reduce these costs, because many interventions would not be necessary if individuals reduced their risks.