Non-communicable Disease Risk Factors Flashcards

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What is a non-communicable disease?

A non-communicable disease is an illness that cannot be passed from person to person, for example heart disease, cancer or type 2 diabetes.

What is a risk factor for a non-communicable disease?

A risk factor is anything that makes it more likely that you will get a non-communicable disease, such as smoking or a poor diet.

Name two lifestyle risk factors that can increase the risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease.

Two examples are smoking and a diet high in saturated fat. Other examples include too much salt, little exercise and being overweight.

How can smoking increase the risk of non-communicable disease?

Chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the lungs and blood vessels, which can lead to lung cancer and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

How can a high-fat diet increase the risk of cardiovascular disease?

A high-fat diet can cause fatty deposits to build up in the arteries, making them narrower and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

How does being obese increase the risk of type 2 diabetes?

Obesity can make body cells respond less well to insulin, so the body cannot control blood sugar levels properly, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

How can drinking too much alcohol increase the risk of liver disease?

Too much alcohol over many years can damage liver cells, leading to liver disease such as cirrhosis and increasing the risk of liver cancer.

How can ionising radiation be a risk factor for cancer?

Ionising radiation can damage the DNA in cells. This can cause cells to grow and divide out of control, which may lead to cancer.

Give one example of an environmental risk factor, other than lifestyle, that can increase the risk of non-communicable disease.

Breathing in air pollution over a long time can increase the risk of lung disease and some cancers. Another example is exposure to asbestos fibres.

Does having a risk factor mean you will definitely get the disease?

No. A risk factor only makes it more likely that you will get the disease; it does not guarantee that you will get it.

How can regular exercise help reduce the risk of some non-communicable diseases?

Regular exercise helps control body mass, strengthens the heart and improves blood flow, which lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.