Europe, like other parts of the world, faces many health problems. Some of these are infectious diseases, which spread from person to person, while others are non-infectious, caused by lifestyle, environment, or aging. This article looks at some of the main diseases in Europe, their causes, and what is being done to fight them.
1. Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular diseases (like strokes), remain the leading causes of death in Europe. Nearly half of all deaths in Europe are due to heart diseases. The main reasons for heart diseases are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, and unhealthy eating.
In 2021, ischemic heart disease was the most common cause of death for men both under and over the age of 65, with rates of 29.5 deaths per 100,000 men under 65 and 673 per 100,000 men aged 65 and over. Among women, the disease caused 399.5 deaths per 100,000 women aged 65 and over (ec.europa). Heart diseases are more common in Central and Eastern Europe than in Western Europe. To prevent heart problems, doctors advise people to eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, stop smoking, and check their blood pressure and cholesterol levels often.
2. Cancer
Cancer is the second most common cause of death in Europe. Around 20% of all deaths in Europe are due to cancer.
The most common types of cancer are breast, lung, colorectal (colon), and prostate cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with a mortality rate of 30.6 deaths per 100,000 women in 2021. For men, lung cancer remains a major health issue. However, over the past decade (2011-2021), there has been a decline in death rates from lung cancer (down by 14.2%), breast cancer (down by 9.7%), and prostate cancer (down by 9.5%) across the EUAging, smoking, drinking alcohol, poor diet, and pollution are some of the causes of cancer (ec.europa).
Many countries in Europe have special programs to find and treat cancer early, such as regular screenings for breast, cervical, and colon cancers. Early detection helps to treat the disease better and save lives.
3. Chronic Lung Diseases
Chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, affect many people in Europe. Smoking is the main cause, but air pollution, work environments, and genetics also play a role. COPD mostly affects older people, while asthma is common in both children and adults.
To reduce lung diseases, Europe has many programs to help people quit smoking, improve air quality, and provide better treatments for asthma and COPD.
4. Diabetes
Diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, is increasing in Europe. About 10% of adults in Europe have diabetes. This disease is more common because of rising obesity rates, unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and aging. Diabetes can lead to serious health problems, such as heart attacks, blindness, kidney failure, and amputations.
Public health campaigns encourage people to eat healthy foods, stay active, and check their blood sugar levels regularly to prevent diabetes or manage it better.
5. Mental Health Problems
Mental health problems, like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, are very common in Europe. These conditions can seriously affect people’s lives and the economy. The COVID-19 pandemic made these problems worse for many people.
European countries are working to provide better mental health services, raise awareness, and reduce the stigma around mental health. There are also efforts to make mental health support available in primary healthcare settings.
6. Infectious Diseases
Europe has made progress in controlling many infectious diseases, but some, like the flu, hepatitis, tuberculosis (TB), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are still common. The COVID-19 pandemic showed how quickly new diseases can spread.
Vaccination programs, health campaigns, and better diagnosis and treatment help control these diseases. Europe also prepares for new threats by monitoring and being ready to respond to new viruses.
7. Diseases of the Brain
Diseases of the brain, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, are becoming more common in Europe, mainly because people are living longer. These diseases affect memory, thinking, and movement, making life hard for patients and their families.
Research is ongoing to find better treatments, diagnose these diseases earlier, and support those who care for patients.
8. Obesity and Related Health Issues
Obesity is a growing problem in Europe and is linked to many other health issues, such as diabetes, heart diseases, and some types of cancer. The main reasons for obesity are unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and economic factors.
While Europe has made progress in reducing death rates from some diseases, challenges remain, particularly in managing the legacy of COVID-19 and addressing the growing mental health crisis. Cancer and cardiovascular diseases continue to be significant health issues, with ongoing efforts required to manage these diseases effectively.
