List of Top 10 Deadliest Diseases
Diseases can have a profound impact on individuals and their families, affecting not just physical health, but also emotional well-being, financial stability, and daily life. Chronic illnesses can lead to physical pain, disability, and decreased quality of life, as well as emotional stress, depression, and anxiety for both the affected person and their family members. Financial strain can also be a significant issue, as medical treatment for some diseases can be very expensive and may not be covered by insurance. Caregiving responsibilities may also fall on other family members, which can be physically and emotionally demanding. In some cases, the affected individual may be unable to work, leading to a loss of income and financial strain on the family. Additionally, certain diseases can carry a stigma and lead to discrimination, further impacting a person’s well-being and quality of life.
Top 10 Deadliest Diseases In India
India has a diverse population with varying lifestyles, eating habits, and environmental factors that contribute to the prevalence of various diseases. In the year 2022, the top most deadliest diseases in India were as follows:
- Cardiovascular diseases Cardiovascular diseases are a group of conditions that involve the heart and blood vessels. Plaque accumulation in the arteries is the root of the problem. The most common forms of cardiovascular diseases in India are coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and stroke.
A sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and increasing stress levels are the major contributors to the rise of cardiovascular diseases in India. In 2022, it was estimated that around 60% of all deaths in India were due to cardiovascular diseases. - Cancer Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled and abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. The most common forms of cancer in India are lung, breast, oral, and colon cancer. In 2022, it was estimated that around 8.8 lakh new cases of cancer were reported in India and around 5.8 lakh deaths due to cancer.
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Respiratory diseases, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Pneumonia, affect the ability to breathe. They are the third leading cause of death globally. Chronic respiratory diseases are a group of conditions that affect the airways and lungs. The most common forms of chronic respiratory diseases in India are COPD and Asthma. The major contributors to the rise of chronic respiratory diseases in India are air pollution, smoking, and occupational exposure to pollutants. In 2022, it was estimated that around 6% of all deaths in India were due to chronic respiratory diseases.
- Lower Respiratory Infections Lower Respiratory diseases refer to a group of respiratory conditions that affect the lower parts of the respiratory system, such as the lungs and bronchial tubes. It is caused by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens. Some of the most common lower respiratory diseases include pneumonia, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Kidney Disease Kidney disease, also known as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), is a progressive loss of kidney function over time. It is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and are unable to function properly. The most common forms of kidney disease in India are chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury. The major contributors to the rise of kidney disease in India are uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, and recurrent infections. In 2022, it was estimated that around 2% of all deaths in India were due to kidney disease.
- Liver Diseases Liver diseases like Cirrhosis and Hepatitis, are conditions that cause damage to the liver and make it unfit to function properly. The most common forms of liver diseases in India are viral hepatitis, alcohol-related issues, and non-alcoholic fatty liver conditions. The major contributors to the rise of liver disease in India are alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and viral hepatitis. In 2022, it was estimated that around 1.2 % of all deaths in India were due to liver diseases.
- Diabetes Diabetes is a long-term condition marked by elevated blood sugar levels. It ranks as the seventh most common cause of death worldwide. Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way the body processes glucose, a type of sugar, in the blood. In India, diabetes affects a large portion of the population and is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ due to its slow progression and lack of symptoms in the early stages. In 2022, it was estimated that around 8.7% of the adult population in India had diabetes and around 2% of all deaths in India were due to diabetes.
- Stroke Stroke is a condition in which blood flow to the brain is interrupted, leading to loss of brain function. Stroke is a major cause of death and disability in India and is often referred to as a brain attack. The major contributors to the rise of stroke in India are uncontrolled high blood pressure, tobacco use, and unhealthy diet. In 2022, it was estimated that around 1.5 % of all deaths in India were due to stroke.
- Coronavirus Disease A respiratory disease called COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has since spread globally, resulting in a worldwide pandemic.When an infected individual breathes, coughs, talks, or sneezes, respiratory droplets are transmitted, causing the disease to spread. The other person may contract the infection if it is breathed.
- Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain condition that impairs thinking, behaviour, and memory. In India, the number of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease is increasing as the country’s population ages. According to estimates, there were approximately 4 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease in India in 2022, and this number is expected to increase in the coming years.
How Insurance Helps in Coping with Deadly Diseases
In today’s world, the cost of medical treatment has risen significantly and has become unaffordable for many individuals. The cost of hospitalization, surgeries, medicines, and treatments can put a strain on an individual’s financial resources and can lead to a vicious cycle of debt. Insurance policies help to mitigate these costs and provide financial support to individuals in their time of need.
Insurance is important for times when a person is affected by a deadly disease because it can help to cover the costs of medical treatment, which can be substantial. This can be especially important for those who may not have the financial resources to pay for these treatments on their own. Insurance can also provide peace of mind, knowing that you will be able to get the care you need if you are ever affected by a deadly disease.
With insurance, individuals can access treatments and services that are otherwise unavailable to them due to financial constraints. Insurance policies also provide a safety net for families in the event of the loss of the breadwinner. In such a scenario, the family can rely on the insurance policy to support them financially and help them cope with the loss. In addition, insurance policies also encourage individuals to seek early treatment and avoid delaying medical care. This is because they know that they have the financial security of insurance to fall back on.
In a Nutshell
Health is a vital aspect of every individual’s life, and the well-being of a nation’s citizens is a crucial indicator of its progress. India, being one of the largest and most populous countries in the world, faces a number of health challenges, including a high burden of deadly diseases and much more needs to be done to address these challenges. Effective and equitable healthcare delivery, improved access to vaccines and medicines, and lifestyle changes that promote healthy habits are some of the key steps that need to be taken to reduce the burden of these diseases in India.
To know more about individual, family, senior citizen, and group health insurance, schedule your appointment with PolicyX advisors today!
Do you have any thoughts you’d like to share?