In the context of disease, what is a 'risk factor'?

A risk factor is something that increases the chance of developing a disease.

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Which 3 broad categories can risk factors be divided between?

  1. Aspects of a person's lifestyle.


  1. Substances in the person's body or environment.


  1. A person's genetics. 

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Name 6 lifestyle factors that can increase the chance of developing diseases.

  1. Poor diet.
  2. Lack of sleep.
  3. Too much stress.
  4. Smoking.
  5. Lack of exercise.
  6. Drinking alcohol.

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What is obesity a risk factor for?

Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (heart attacks).

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What is drinking alcohol a risk factor for?

Liver disease and brain disease (it can decrease brain volume by damaging nerve cells).

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What is smoking a risk factor for?

Cardiovascular disease and lung disease.

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What are the risk factors for cancer?

  1. Exposure to certain substances (called 'carcinogens').


  1. Exposure to ionising radiation.

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What are the effects of non-communicable disease on society?

An increased disease burden can negatively affect wider society:


  1. Families and friends may have to stop working or move home to help the person with the disease.
  2. Fewer people will be available to work and pay taxes.
  3. The diseases will be costly to treat for the NHS. 

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