B7 - Non-communicable Diseases Flashcards
What is cancer?
the common name for a malignant tumour, formed as a result of changes in cells that lead to uncontrolled growth and division
What are carcinogens?
agents that cause cancer or significantly increase the risk of developing cancer
What is a causal mechanism?
something that explains how one factor influences another
What is correlation?
an apparent link or relationship between two factors
What is ionising radiation?
has enough energy to cause ionisation in the materials it passes through, which in turn can make them biologically active and may result in mutation and cancer
What is a tumour?
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 is a non-communicable disease?
A disease that cannot spread from one person to another
What are risk factors for diseases?
- Aspects of your lifestyle such as smoking, lack of exercise, or overeating
- Substances that are present in the environment or in your body such as ionising radiation, UV light from the sun, or second-hand tobacco smoke
- Age
- Genetic makeup
Why do scientists need to do research before declaring a correlation of 2 things as a causal mechanism?
They have to do lots of research as it may just be a correlation but not actually a causation
What are the impacts of non-communicable diseases?
Every serious disease has an impact on human life. Local communities are often tasked with supporting and looking after those who are ill, this could also have a financial cost as if a wage-earner becomes ill they will not be able to work. Diseases also cost nations huge sums of money treating those who are ill and the loss of money when people are not working
What % of disease related deaths are non-communicable?
70%
What are the 2 types of tumours?
- malignant
* Benign
What are benign tumours?
Benign tumours are growths of abnormal cells contained in one place, usually within a membrane. They do not invade other parts of the body, however they can grow very large, very quickly and as a result they can pressure or damage an organ. This can be life-threatening
What are malignant tumours?
A malignant tumour can spread around the body, invading healthy neighbouring tissue. Malignant tumours may split up, releasing small clumps of cells into the bloodstream or lymphatic systems. They then spread to new parts of the body and cause new secondary tumours. The growing tumours often completely disrupt normal tissues and if left untreated, will kill the person.
How are tumours formed?
Tumours are formed when control of the cell cycle is lost and the cells grow in abnormal, uncontrolled ways
What are the causes of cancer?
- Genetics
- Carcinogens
- Ionising radiation
- Viral Infections
How does Genetics cause cancer?
Some cancers, such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer, can be caused by genetics
How do Carcinogens cause cancer?
Chemicals called carcinogens can cause mutations in cells that trigger the formation of tumours. An example of this is asbestos and the tar in tobacco smoke
How does Ionising radiation cause cancer?
Ionising radiation, such as UV light and X-rays, can interrupt the normal cell cycle and cause tumours to form. For example, melanomas appear when there is uncontrolled growth of pigment-forming cells in the skin as a result of exposure to UV light from the sun
How do Viral Infections cause cancer?
About 15% of human cancers are caused by virus infections. For example, cervical cancer is a result of infection by HPV. Teenagers in the UK are now routinely vaccinated against the virus
Why is cancer difficult to treat?
It spreads around the body
What are the 2 treatment methods for cancer?
- Chemotherapy
* Radiotherapy