Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease

Many of the leading causes of death in both Australia and New Zealand are actually preventable. Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, lung cancer, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), among others, are linked to the prevalence of certain modifiable ‘lifestyle factors'. A reduction in the general population of these factors, identified as tobacco use, risky consumption of alcohol, poor nutrition and lack of exercise, will have a positive impact on mortality, morbidity, disability adjusted life years (DALYs), and therefore on the associated costs and burden on health systems.

The RACP strongly advocates for measures which will impact on the prevalence of these risk factors in the Australian and New Zealand populations. In development of policy to this effect, the College feels that recognition of the impact of Social Determinants of Health on chronic diseases in relation to these risk factors. "Socioeconomic position during early childhood, adolescence, and adulthood are all independent predictors of who develops and eventually succumbs to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and some cancers" , with the health predictors for this including rates of daily smoking, obesity, infrequent exercise, heavy drinking, high stress, and depression.

Please follow these links for more information on the position of the RACP on the chronic disease 'risk factors'

• Tobacco

• Obesity

• Alcohol

Submissions

• Ethical Issues Involved in the Transitions to Palliation and End of Life Care for People with Chronic Conditions - NHMRC - Jan 2010 (PDF 97KB) NEW
• Inquiry on Chronic Diseases - Queensland Social Development Committee - Aug 2009 (PDF 175KB)
• National Women's Health Policy July 2009 (PDF 238 KB)
• 'Australia's Future Tax System' (Henry Tax Review) May 2009 (PDF 153KB)
• Food Standards Australia New Zealand: Proposal P293 Nutrition, health and related claims - May 2009 (PDF 96KB)
• Inquiry on Men's Health - Australian Senate Select Committee - March 2009 (PDF 147KB)
• Australian National Preventative Health Taskforce - Dec 2008 (PDF: 26KB)

A National Preventative Health Strategy for Australia

The Australian National Preventative Health Taskforce, established in 2008, was tasked with providing evidence-based advice to governments and health providers on preventative health programs and strategies, focusing on the burden of chronic disease currently caused by obesity, tobacco and the excessive consumption of alcohol.

On the 1st September 2009 the Taskforce released its final document 'Australia: the healthiest country by 2020: The National Preventative Health Strategy - the roadmap for action'.

The RACP is broadly supportive of the recommendations of this document, as reflected in our policies addressing tobacco use, obesity, and the excessive consumption of alcohol.

• Opportunity for Australia to be world leader in health - Media Release Sep 09

Please contact the Policy and Advocacy Unit for further information: policy@racp.edu.au