The author, Marion Kerr, said better diagnosis and early treatment - particularly from GPs - could make a big difference.

BBC: Kidney care 'needs to improve'

Early diagnosis and treatment in men offer better protection against osteoporosis and other related conditions.

CNN: Male hypogonadism

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications of hypoparathyroidism, some of which are permanent.

CNN: Hypoparathyroidism

Chief Medical Officer Professor Liam Donaldson warned doctors that early diagnosis and treatment of the infection was vital.

BBC: Returning pilgrims fight meningitis

It added successful rehabilitation depended on early diagnosis and treatment.

BBC: South war veterans get mental health support

To increase the early diagnosis and treatment of STIs, CDC is reaching out to health care providers and young people at risk throughout the nation with messages about the importance of screening.

CNN: How sexually active young people can stay safe

Dr Magiorkinis, who did the work in collaboration with the University of Athens and Imperial College London, said the model had helped build a "solid argument" to improve early diagnosis and antiviral treatment in drug users.

BBC: Spread of hepatitis C pinpointed

The evidence they have produced suggests programmes targeting the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C in high-risk groups as early as possible would prevent many new infections and associated health care costs many years down the line.

BBC: Spread of hepatitis C pinpointed

Early diagnosis is of paramount importance to the subsequent prognosis, treatment, quality of life and ultimate survival of cancer patients.

UNESCO: 2007 UK and Ireland Winners