B7: Non-communicable Diseases

Question 1

What are causes of non-communicable diseases?

Answer 1

Risk factors
such as life situations, genetics and the environment

Question 2

What is correlation?

Answer 2

A link between two factors, but not concrete proof that one caused the other

Question 3

What is a causal mechanism?

Answer 3

A scientific explanation as to how something could cause something else
e.g. carcinogens can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer

Question 4

What is sampling?

Answer 4

When a group of people are sampled for research on the population
To avoid bias, the sample needs to be as large and random as possible

Question 5

What is cancer?

Answer 5

A mutation in DNA that leads to uncontrolled cell division, producing a tumour

Question 6

What is a benign tumour?

Answer 6

Growths of abnormal cells which are contained in one area, usually within a membrane. They do not invade other parts of the body

Question 7

What is a malignant tumour?

Answer 7

Growths of abnormal cells which can invade neighbouring tissues and enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs (secondary tumours)
(classed as cancer)

Question 8

What are the risk factors to developing cancer?

Answer 8

Genetics
Lifestyle (e.g. smoking = lung cancer, UV light = skin cancer)
Ionising radiation (damages DNA, resulting in uncontrolled cell division)

Question 9

What are major risk factors of non-communicable diseases?

Answer 9

Diet
Smoking
Alcohol

Question 10

What diseases can poor diet lead to?

Answer 10

High fat can result in high cholesterol and increased risk of coronary heart disease
High in salt can increase blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Question 11

What diseases can smoking lead to?

Answer 11

Cardiovascular diseases
Lung cancer as cigarette smoke contains carcinogens

Question 12

What can decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease?

Answer 12

Exercise

Question 13

What are the effects of smoking on an unborn baby?

Answer 13

Increases the risk of miscarriage and premature birth/ low birthweight

Question 14

What effect does alcohol have on an unborn baby?

Answer 14

Fetal alcohol syndrome - child born with learning difficulties or other mental or physical problems

Question 15

What diseases are more likely to occur when drinking alcohol?

Answer 15

Liver cirrhosis and liver cancer
Addiction and memory loss

Question 16

What can type 2 diabetes result in?

Answer 16

Blindness or amputation of a limb