Non-communicable Diseases Flashcards
Non-communicable disease
A disease that cannot be passed from one individual to another
Risk factors
They are aspects of a person’s lifestylethat have been shown to be linked to an increase rate of a disease
Tumour
They are a result from abnormal cell division
Benign tumours
They form in one place and do not spread into other tissues
Malignant tumours
These are cancer. They invade neighbouring tissue and may spread to different parts of the body in the blood where secondary tumours form.
Smoking and alcohol affecting birth
A fetus exposed to smoke has restricted oxygen, which can lead to premature birth, low birthweight and even stillbirth.
If the woman drinks while pregnant, it passes across the placenta into the developing baby. This can cause miscarriage, stillbirths, low birthweight.
It can also lead to facial deformities.
Nicotine
This is an addictive drug found in tobacco. It is relatively harmless. It produces a sensation of calm and well-being.
Carbon monoxide
This is a poisonous gas found in tobacco and it takes up some oxygen-carrying capacity in your blood. This can lead to shortness of oxygen.
Affects of a bad diet
It affects the risk of developing cardiovascular and other diseases directly through cholesterol levels and indirectly through obesity
Dangers of alcohol
It can lead to liver damage. The scar tissue that replaces the tissue damaged cannot carry out the vital functions.
It is a carcinogen so heavy drinkers are at increase risk of developing liver cancer.
It can also damage the brain in the long-term.
Ionising radiation
The radiation penetrates the cells and damages the chromosomes, leading to mutations in the DNA. This can causes a much higher risk of cancer. Sources of ionising radiation include:
UV rays from the sun, radioactive materials in the soil, medical and dental x-rays and accidents in nuclear power generation plant (e.g Chernobyl).
