There are several national health priority areas in Australia that contribute significantly to the burden of illness, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, injury, mental health, diabetes, asthma, and arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions. These priority areas can be addressed by identifying their risk factors and determinants, and modifying behaviors to reduce the prevalence of related illnesses or conditions. The leading causes of death in Australia are cardiovascular disease and cancer. Risk factors for these diseases include tobacco use, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, obesity, family history, and socioeconomic status.