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National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Chronic Disease Prevention Home | Contact Us |
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Improving the Health and Quality of Life of All PeopleBrochureThis document is also available in Portable Document Format (PDF–164K). You will need Acrobat Reader (a free application) to view and print this document. More than 1.7 million Americans die of a chronic disease each year, accounting for 70% of all deaths in the United States. Americans lose on average 15 years of life from chronic diseases—valuable time with family or friends gone forever. Even more startling, many diseases such as diabetes and obesity, traditionally seen in older adults, are more and more common in children. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we are developing and supporting programs to help people live longer, healthier lives. In 1988, CDC created the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. For more than 15 years, the center has been a national leader in developing and supporting programs to prevent or reduce the health and economic consequences of chronic diseases, collecting data and supporting research on these diseases and their risk factors, and working to ensure that effective programs reach the people who need them most.
CDC’s chronic disease programs are critically important for improving the health of our nation since many chronic diseases can be prevented, some can be detected early and successfully treated, and the effects of “incurable” chronic diseases can be dramatically reduced. While we have made progress, we still have a long way to go. We spend more money on health care than any other country in the world—medical care for people with chronic diseases accounts for more than 75% of the $1.4 trillion that the United States spends each year on health care. Many chronic diseases can be preventedWhat causes these diseases? Tobacco is the number one factor, causing more than 400,000 deaths a year. Poor diet and lack of physical activity is the number two cause, accounting for more than 300,000 deaths. It is clear why these health problems exist in our society. Tackling these problems head on, CDC works through public and private partners, including state health departments, to stem the growing tide of disease. CDC's goal is to work across the lifespan reaching infants and children to middle-aged and older adults with programs that prevent or delay the complications of some of the nation's leading killers. CDC is empowering people to embrace a healthy life now to shape the quality of their lives for years to come. Other chronic diseases can be caught early, when treatment is most effectiveToday, tests are available that can detect breast cancer, colon cancer, heart disease, and other chronic diseases early, at a time when they can be most effectively treated. Mammograms, colorectal cancer screening tests, and even simple blood pressure checks can save lives. CDC works with states and communities to make Americans more aware of the importance of these lifesaving tests. CDC also supports a variety of programs to educate Americans about the long-term benefits of preventive screenings. The disabling effects of other chronic diseases can be reducedTo improve the quality of life, increase early diagnosis, and improve self-management of certain chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and epilepsy, CDC works with state health departments and other partners to develop programs that will help people with chronic diseases receive appropriate health care and treatment. The reality is that every American is adversely affected by chronic disease in one way or another—through the death of a loved one; a family member’s struggle with lifelong illness, disability, or compromised quality of life; or the huge personal and societal financial burden from a chronic disease. Applying What We Know to Reach Every AmericanOne of the biggest problems that we face in preventing chronic diseases is the gap between what we know is effective and what we actually do as a society. Every day CDC is actively looking for ways to better reach the public and close the gap. Many CDC programs reach out to those who do not have access to quality health services. These projects help communities with underserved populations encourage healthy behaviors and offer effective programs—such as mammograms, diabetes education, and physical activity. Pennies for prevention save dollars for treatmentWe are at a defining moment in which the health and well-being of our generation and future generations will depend on the choices we make today. With the percentage of Americans over the age of 65 expected to double over the next 30 years, we cannot afford the escalating costs of health care. Many think that if we get better technology and more clinical care, we will solve these problems; however, past experience suggests we must balance our prevention and treatment efforts. If we are serious about improving the health and quality of life of all Americans and keeping our health care spending under control, we must commit to a national health agenda that supports prevention for every American. Prevention Works, Prevention Saves Lives
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Policy | Accessibility This page last reviewed August 13, 2004 United
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