Algoma Public Health

Chapter 11 - Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death in Algoma (72.3% in 2021), with cancer and heart diseases as the major contributors.
Of cancer deaths, lung cancer is the most common in Algoma. From 2016-2020 the rate of deaths related to lung cancer was 61.0 per 100, 000 in Algoma, compared to 41.9 per 100,000 in Ontario.
Cancer screening rates have decreased from 2018-2022(2) and are expected to get worse as the number of residents in Algoma without a primary care provider continues to increase.
The heart disease-related hospitalization rate in Algoma and NE PHUs is significantly higher than the average rate in Ontario.
Chronic diseases are largely preventable. Smoking and exposure to smoke is a key modifiable risk factor.