[Behavior-based prevention of chronic diseases]

Tobacco smoking, unhealthy alcohol drinking, overweight, and lack of physical activity add to more than 50% of myocardial infarction and are the most prevalent avoidable factors related to cancer. Cardiovascular disease and cancer may be curbed by preventive action in addition to medical care. The aim of this contribution is to present the elements that constitute prevention: participation rates, intervention programs, and outcomes. Criteria for outcomes include intention to change behaviors, the behavior change, total lifetime and time of life free of chronic disease and disability.

Evidence reveals that national preventive action should include legal action, environmental change, and direct health behavior change. The measures include reducing the appeal of and increasing the protection against risky products. Such provisions will reduce cardiovascular disease and cancer incidence. Direct behavior change includes counseling individuals in the general population. Evidence is provided by cohort, modeling, and controlled trial data. All three approaches revealed success of prevention. Collaboration of prevention and medical care will add to synergies.

A deficit of action exists. Effective preventive action should be implemented into practice, cooperation between prevention and medical care be supported.