The World Health Organization (WHO) says that levels of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular conditions, diabetes and cancers, have reached epidemic' proportions. In a 27 April report mapping the problem (see chart), it says that nearly 80% of NCD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, and such fatalities will rise by 15% globally by 2020. Many are caused by tobacco use, poor diet, physical inactivity or harmful use of alcohol, and are preventable, says the WHO.
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