Risk factors for non-communicable diseases

• What is a risk factor in relation to non-communicable diseases?


  A risk factor is linked to an increased likelihood of developing a disease.
• How do risk factors influence the likelihood of developing diseases?


  They increase the chance but do not guarantee disease development.
• What are some examples of lifestyle aspects that can be risk factors?


  How much exercise a person does is an example of a lifestyle risk factor.
• What environmental factors can be considered risk factors?


  Air pollution is an example of an environmental risk factor.
• How can substances in the body act as risk factors?


  Asbestos fibres can build up in airways and cause diseases like cancer.
• How do multiple risk factors contribute to non-communicable diseases?


  Many diseases are caused by several risk factors interacting rather than one alone.
• How do lifestyle factors impact disease incidence differently in various regions?


  In developed countries, higher income leads to more non-communicable diseases due to high-fat food consumption.
• What is the relationship between deprivation and health in certain areas?


  People from deprived areas are more likely to smoke, have a poor diet, and not exercise.
• What diseases are more common in deprived areas?


  Cardiovascular disease, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes are more common in deprived areas.
• What are some risk factors that can directly cause diseases?

  Smoking can directly cause cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and lung cancer.
• How does obesity relate to Type 2 diabetes?


  Obesity can make the body less sensitive to insulin, leading to Type 2 diabetes.
• What is a consequence of drinking too much alcohol?


  Drinking too much alcohol can cause liver disease.
• How does alcohol affect liver cells?


  The reaction to break down alcohol can damage liver cells.
• What can happen to brain function due to excessive alcohol consumption?


  Excessive alcohol can damage nerve cells in the brain, causing loss of volume.
• What are the effects of smoking during pregnancy?


  Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen the baby receives and can cause health problems.
• How does alcohol consumption during pregnancy affect the baby?


  Alcohol can damage the baby's cells and affect its development.
• What are carcinogens?

  Carcinogens are substances that can directly cause cancer.
• How do carcinogens cause cancer?


  Some carcinogens damage a cell's DNA, making it more likely to divide uncontrollably.
• What is an example of a carcinogen?


  Ionising radiation, such as from X-rays, is an example of a carcinogen.
• How are risk factors identified in scientific research?

  Risk factors are identified by looking for correlations in data.
• What is the relationship between correlation and causation in risk factors?


  Correlation does not always equal cause.
• Can all risk factors directly cause diseases?


  No, some risk factors are related to another risk factor that can cause the disease.
• What is the relationship between a lack of exercise, a high-fat diet, and cardiovascular disease?


  A lack of exercise and a high-fat diet are linked to increased chances of cardiovascular disease through high blood pressure and cholesterol.
• What should you remember about risk factors and disease development?

  Risk factors increase the chance of disease but do not guarantee it will happen.
• Are all risk factors capable of causing diseases?

  No, many risk factors are just correlated with diseases.