B7 - Non-communicable Diseases Flashcards
Define correlation
A correlation is a link between two things. If an outcome happens when a factor is present, and does not happen when the factor is absent, there is a correlation.
Define causal mechanism
A causal mechanism explains how one factor influences another factor through a Biological process.
What is a tumour?
A tumour is a mass of abnormally growing cells that forms when the cells do not respond to the normal mechanisms that control growth and when control of the cell cycle is lost
What are benign tumours?
They are growths of abnormal cells and are contained in one area ( usually the cell membrane ). The tumours dont invade other parts of the body, but they can still grow very large, very quickly. They may put pressure on vital organs
What are malignant tumours?
Malignant tumour cells are cancerous. These tumours invade neighbouring healthy tissue and can spread to other parts of the body in the blood where they form secondary tumours
What is cancer caused by?
It is caused by uncontrolled cell growth and division
What genes have been linked to an increased likelihood of developing breast amd ovirian cancer?
Mutations in the BRCA genes
Name all the risk factors of cancer
1) Smoking - It’s a well known fact that smoking is linked to lung cancer but research has also linked it to other types of cancer too, including mouth, bowel, stomach and cervical cancer.
2) Obesity - Obesity has been linked to many different cancers, including bowel, liver and kidney cancer. It’s the second biggest preventable cause of cancer after smoking.
3) UV exposure - People who are often exposed to UV radiation from the Sun have an increased chance of developing skin cancer. People who live in sunny climates and people who spend a lot of time outside are at higher risk of the disease. People who frequently use sun beds are also putting themselves at higher risk of developing skin cancer.
4) Viral infection - Infection with some viruses has been shown to increase the chances of developing certain types of cancer. For example, infection with hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. The likelihood of becoming infected with these viruses sometimes depends on lifestyle - e.g. they can be spread between people through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
How can non-communicable diseases be costly?
The cost to the NHS of researching and treating these diseases is huge - and it’s the same for other health services and organisations around the world Families may have to move or adapt their home to help a family member with a disease, which can be costly.
Also, if the family member with the disease has to give up work or dies, the family’s income will be reduced.
A reduction in the number of people able to work can also affect a country’s economy.
What is a carcinogen ?
Its something that is capable of causing cancer
How can you treat cancer ?
Radio therapy - cancers are destroyed by targeted doses of radiation
Chemotherapy - chemicals are used to either stop the cancer cells dividing or make them self destruct
What is Thalidomide used for ?
It is used to treat Leprosy
What can cannabis do ?
May cause mental illness in some people
