Non Communicable Diseases Flashcards
Communicable diseases
Diseases caused by pathogens that can be passed from one person to another
Non communicable diseases
Diseases that are not infectious and affect
people as a result of the genetic make-up, lifestyle and/or factors in their environment.
Risk factor
Something that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or injury.
Poor diet
Obesity
Undernutrition
Diseases such as diabetes
Deficiencies
Smoking
Increased risk of cancers,
heart disease
Damage to organs
Alcohol consumption
Weight gain
Less restful sleep
Damages liver and
digestive system
Increased risk of cancers
Lack of exercise
Loss of muscle
Fatty deposits around heart
Therefore increased risk of
heart disease
Unsafe sex
Increased risk of STDs
Reasons why non-com diseases are bad
Communities have to support people who are ill
Costs nations huge sums of money
Global economy suffers as working age people are affected
Can lead to depression/mental illnesses
Cancer
Cell DNA is damaged during
multiplication of the cell
The damaged cells are usually stopped at
the checkpoints and either repaired or
destroyed
Damaged cells can sometimes sneak
through a checkpoint
The damaged cell multiplies to form a
tumour
Benign tumour
Growth of abnormal cells contained in one place, usually within a membrane
They do not invade other parts of the body but they can grow very large very
quickly
If it causes pressure or damage to an organ this can be life-threatening
Malignant tumour
Can spread around the body, invading neighbouring, healthy cells
Initial tumour may split up and release small clumps of cells into the blood stream
or lymphatic system
They circulate and are carried to different parts of the body where they may lodge
in another organ
Causes of cancer
Genetic risk factors
Mutations
Ionising radiation
Viral infection
Mutations
Changes in the genetic material
Chemicals e.g asbestos, cigarette tar can cause mutations
Carcinogens
Cancer causing agents
Ionising radiation
Ionising radiation such as UV light and X-rays can interrupt the normal cell cycle
and cause tumours to form
Viral infections
e.g. cervical cancer is almost always due to infection by HPV
Radiotherapy
Cancer cells are destroyed by a dose of radiation. It stops mitosis of the cancer cells but can also damage healthy cells
Chemotherapy
Chemicals are used to either stop the cells dividing or to make them ‘self-destruct’
What is in a cigarette
Tar
Carbon monoxide
Nicotine
Heart disease
A disease that affects how well your heart can carry out its job
Commonly it is due to the narrowing of the arteries that can reduce blood flow to
parts of the body including the heart
How smoking can also increase risk of CHD
Mixture of chemicals in cigarettes can lead to an increase in blood pressure
Damage the lining of the arteries and can increase the risk of a clot formation
How smoking can cause an infection
Chemicals in cigarettes can anaesthetise the cilia in the trachea and bronchi which allows pathogens and dirt to enter the lungs and can cause an infection