This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Social & Preventive Medicine
'There has been a gradual increase in number of non-communicable disease cases as compared to previous years. This trend is called: 
Select and explain. 
A. Seasonal, B. Cyclical, C. Periodical, D. Secular
D: Secular
Answer: D: Secular 
Explanation: Ans: D. Secular(Ref Parks 24/e p69, 23ie p66, 22/c p63)Secular:Trend of gradual increase in number of non- communicable disease cases as compared to previous years.Implies changes in disease occurrence over long time period (several years or decades).Maybe progressive increase/decrease in disease occurrence.Hence, long-term trend.Eg:CHD, lung cancer & DM (non-communicable disease) - Consistent upward trend in developed countries.TB, typhoid fever, diphtheria & polio - Declined trend in developed countries.