Premature Mortality From Noncommunicable Diseases in the Federated States of Micronesia, 2003-2012.

This study was conducted to assess status, and understand burden, of premature and leading causes of deaths from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). From 2003 to 2012, ICD-10 coded mortality data from the national Health Information System were analyzed. Proportional mortality was calculated and a ranking list of the leading causes of premature death was produced. Of the 2349 premature deaths reported, 1970 (83.9%) were due to NCDs, and 1680 (71.5%) were from 4 main NCD groups-cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. Diabetes (19.5%), ischemic heart diseases (13.2%), and cerebrovascular diseases (7.1%) were the leading causes of premature deaths. The findings indicate that the burden of premature NCD deaths in FSM is higher than global levels, and existing efforts need to be strengthened to alter their course.

Cancer in Pohnpei State, Federated States of Micronesia.

A cancer needs assessment, funded by the National Cancer Institute, was conducted in Pohnpei State (Pohnpei), Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Findings revealed that cancer is the third leading cause of death in Pohnpei, yet cancer-related awareness, prevention, detection, and treatment services are limited. A number of needs were identified, and an action plan was developed based on five priority areas: 1) increasing community awareness about cancer (especially, cervix, breast, liver and lung) and related risk factors; 2) securing funding for cancer prevention and control planning and activities; 3) establishing a fully staffed cancer prevention and control office; 4) building local capacity for cancer cytology; and 5) increasing capacity to obtain and process lab specimens for high-risk patients.