Myths on prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in Latin America.

Given the increase of the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD) and the possibility to avoid it, it is urgent to implement or strengthen NCD preve ntive programs in Latin America. However, many myths hinder the implementat ion of NCD programs. Myths on NCD include: a) NCD are degenerative and incu rable; b) they are diseases of the elderly; c) they are diseases of the ric h. Like wise there are myths about NCD preventive programs are: a) difficul t to implement, b) expensive, and c) ineffective. We present data that demo nstrate how these myths are untrue and discuss the challenges to find a bal anced health policy that emphasizes the importance of NCD without overlooki ng other diseases.