Risk Factors For Non-Communicable Diseases

Question 1

In terms of a disease, what is a risk factor?

Answer 1

A risk factor is something that increases the chance of someone getting a disease. It doesn’t guarantee they will get the disease.

Question 3

Give 4 risk factors for non-communicable diseases

Answer 3

Lifestyle, substances in environment, smoking, alcohol

Question 4

What diseases does smoking cause?

Answer 4

Lung cancer, lung disease, and cardiovascular disease

Question 5

What does drinking too much alcohol cause?

Answer 5

Liver disease, damaged nerve cells in the brain

Question 6

How can alcohol damage the liver?

Answer 6

The liver breaks down alcohol, but the reaction can damage its cells. It can also be damaged when toxic chemicals leak from the gut due to damage to the intestines caused by alcohol

Question 7

How does smoking and drinking while pregnant affect the baby?

Answer 7

Smoking while pregnant reduces the amount of oxygen the baby receives in the womb, and can cause lots of health problems for the baby. Alcohol can damage the baby’s cells, effecting its development, and causing lots of health issues

Question 8

What are things that cause cancer called?

Answer 8

Carcinogens

Question 9

Give an example of a carcinogen

Answer 9

Ionising radiation

Question 10

How does a carcinogen damage a cell, and cause cancer?

Answer 10

They can damage a cell’s DNA in a way that makes the cell more likely to divide uncontrollably.