Topic 2b- Health disease and cancer Flashcards
What is good health?
Good health is complete mental and physical well-being.
Explain why being overweight may increase the risk of a stroke?
Can lead to arteries becoming narrowed/ clogged up causing high blood pressure.
What are viruses?
Viruses are made up of a small number of genes in the form of DNA / RNA surrounded by a protein coating. Viruses must enter a living cell and “hijack” the cells machinery in order to reproduce and make more viruses. The cell bursts open to release these. The cell damage is what causes illness.
What is SCID and what does it do?
Severe combined immunodeficiency is a group of rare disorders which cause severe abnormalities in the immune system. This happens when white blood cells are missing or not working properly.
What is a pathogen?
A disease causing organism.
What is HPV and how does it link to cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women and often takes many years to develop after having HPV (a viral infection).
Why does the body have allergic reactions and what does it do?
The body releases histamine and tries to expel the allergen from the body through runny noses, coughing, sneezing etc.
What diseases are overweight people at a higher risk of getting?
High blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease.
What are some impacts of smoking?
Increased risk of heart disease and cardiovascular disease since smoking increases fibrinogen levels, damages arteries and encourages build up of fat in blood vessels.
Increased risk of lung cancer due to build up of tar in lungs.
What can smoking and drinking during pregnancy cause?
Smoking during pregnancy can lead to: miscarriage, sudden death of the child, stillbirth, low birth weight.
Drinking during pregnancy can lead to:
* Premature birth
* Brain damage and problems with growth and development.
* Birth defects, like heart defects, hearing problems or vision problems.
* Low birthweight (also called LBW).
What are impacts of drinking?
Pancreatitis (enflamed pancreas)
Liver disease
Liver cancer
Long term heavy drinking can lead to heart disease.
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 is genetic related.
Type 2 is lifestyle related and develops over time.
How come many ex-smokers still get lung cancer?
It takes a long time for smoking to actually have an impact ~20 years.
What is the approximate chance of a person developing cancer in their lifetime?
1 in 3
How do x-rays increase risk of cancer?
Damaging tissues.
