Health Status: Chronic Diseases

One of the biggest challenges to achieving healthy communities is preventing and managing chronic conditions that develop over time, such as diabetes, respiratory illnesses, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer. Chronic diseases, also known as non-communicable diseases, are diseases that are persistent and generally slow in progression, which can be treated but not cured. Chronic conditions result from a complex combination of genetics, healthy lifestyle practices, and environments and often have common risk factors. The section below provides a glimpse into the chronic diseases profile of the CHSA and how it compares to the health status of other CHSAs within their LHA as well as to B.C. overall.

Cancer Data (BC Cancer Registry, 2015-2017)

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Canada. Over half of all cancers may be prevented through personal health practices such as no-smoking, physical activity, healthy eating, and reduced sun exposure.

The following section shows the crude incidence and mortality rates of cancers in all CHSAs within their LHA. If any LHA has only one CHSA, there will be only one bar in the chart for the CHSA.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among Canadian adults, and includes heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, contributes to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases as well as chronic kidney disease.

Respiratory Illness (B.C. Chronic Disease Registry, 2017/18)

Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) are two important chronic respiratory diseases. Asthma often occurs in those with a genetic predisposition to the illness and can be caused by allergens in the environment, tobacco smoke, chemical exposure in the workplace, or air pollution. COPD is a long-term lung disease that is often associated with smoking.

Mental illness refers to diagnosable psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety and mood disorders, and schizophrenia and delusional disorders. Mental illness can also include diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Neurological Conditions (B.C. Chronic Disease Registry, 2017/18)

Neurological disorders affect the central and peripheral nervous systems. It can include diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinsonism, and multiple sclerosis.

Bone diseases affect or limit mobility and dexterity and is one of the leading causes of physical disabilities. These conditions can affect individuals of all ages and includes conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

Metabolic Disorders (B.C. Chronic Disease Registry, 2017/18)

Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders and usually occurs in adults, although rates among children are rising. Long term complications of diabetes can include other chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease.^[12]

The following section shows the age-standardized prevalence and incidence rates in all CHSAs within their LHA.