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Biology B7 - Non-communicable diseases
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14 Apr 2023
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Non-Communicable Diseases AQA GCSE – Revision Notes, Questions, and Answers
I
Imogen
@imogenxo
Lifestyle Factors and Health Risks
This section delves into the health risks associated with smoking, obesity, and alcohol consumption, which are crucial topics in Health and disease GCSE biology BBC Bitesize.
Smoking is a significant risk factor for various diseases. Cigarette smoke contains several harmful components:
- Tar: A carcinogen that increases the risk of lung, trachea, larynx, and throat cancer
- Nicotine: An addictive drug that increases heart rate and blood pressure
- Carbon monoxide: A poisonous gas that reduces oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells
Highlight: Smoking can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , bronchitis, and emphysema.
Obesity is another major health concern, leading to:
- High blood pressure and cholesterol
- Arthritis
- Type 2 diabetes
Vocabulary: Arthritis is pain and inflammation of a joint.
Alcohol consumption, particularly excessive drinking, can result in various health issues:
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Liver cancer
- Fetal alcohol syndrome in pregnant women
Definition: Cirrhosis is a condition where liver cells are replaced with scar tissue, resulting in impaired liver function.
Understanding these lifestyle factors and their associated risks is crucial for Risk factors biology GCSE notes and answering Non communicable diseases AQA GCSE revision questions and answers.
Non-Communicable Diseases and Risk Factors
Non-communicable diseases are health conditions that cannot be transmitted from one person to another. This section explores the concept of NCDs, risk factors, and causal mechanisms, with a particular focus on cancer.
Definition: A non-communicable disease is a condition that cannot be transmitted between individuals, such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, and cancer.
Risk factors play a crucial role in the development of NCDs. These can be categorized into two types:
- Uncontrollable risk factors: age, gender, and inherited genes
- Controllable risk factors: diet, smoking, fitness levels, alcohol consumption, and obesity
Vocabulary: A risk factor is an element that increases the likelihood of a harmful outcome.
Understanding causal mechanisms is essential in GCSE Biology. A causal mechanism explains how one risk factor influences another through a biological process.
Example: Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer because tar, a component of cigarette smoke, is a carcinogen.
Cancer is a significant focus in AQA GCSE Biology non-communicable diseases exam questions. It results from changes in cells leading to uncontrolled growth and division. Tumors, which are masses of abnormally growing cells, can be classified as benign or malignant.
Definition: Benign tumors are growths contained in one place, usually within a membrane, and do not invade other parts of the body.
Definition: Malignant tumors can spread around the body, invading healthy tissues and forming secondary tumors.
The causes of cancer are diverse and include:
- Genetic factors
- Carcinogens
- Viral infections
- Ionizing radiation
Treatment options for cancer include:
- Radiotherapy: Using radiation to destroy cancer cells
- Chemotherapy: Employing chemicals to stop cell division or cause cell death
This section provides essential information for Cancer GCSE Biology AQA and Cancer GCSE Biology questions.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Non-Communicable Diseases AQA GCSE – Revision Notes, Questions, and Answers
I
Imogen
@imogenxo
Non-communicable diseases are a crucial topic in AQA GCSE Biology. This summary covers key concepts, risk factors, and treatments, with a focus on cancer and lifestyle-related health issues.
• Non-communicable diseases cannot be transmitted between individuals
• Risk factors... Show more
Lifestyle Factors and Health Risks
This section delves into the health risks associated with smoking, obesity, and alcohol consumption, which are crucial topics in Health and disease GCSE biology BBC Bitesize.
Smoking is a significant risk factor for various diseases. Cigarette smoke contains several harmful components:
- Tar: A carcinogen that increases the risk of lung, trachea, larynx, and throat cancer
- Nicotine: An addictive drug that increases heart rate and blood pressure
- Carbon monoxide: A poisonous gas that reduces oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells
Highlight: Smoking can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , bronchitis, and emphysema.
Obesity is another major health concern, leading to:
- High blood pressure and cholesterol
- Arthritis
- Type 2 diabetes
Vocabulary: Arthritis is pain and inflammation of a joint.
Alcohol consumption, particularly excessive drinking, can result in various health issues:
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Liver cancer
- Fetal alcohol syndrome in pregnant women
Definition: Cirrhosis is a condition where liver cells are replaced with scar tissue, resulting in impaired liver function.
Understanding these lifestyle factors and their associated risks is crucial for Risk factors biology GCSE notes and answering Non communicable diseases AQA GCSE revision questions and answers.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Non-Communicable Diseases and Risk Factors
Non-communicable diseases are health conditions that cannot be transmitted from one person to another. This section explores the concept of NCDs, risk factors, and causal mechanisms, with a particular focus on cancer.
Definition: A non-communicable disease is a condition that cannot be transmitted between individuals, such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, and cancer.
Risk factors play a crucial role in the development of NCDs. These can be categorized into two types:
- Uncontrollable risk factors: age, gender, and inherited genes
- Controllable risk factors: diet, smoking, fitness levels, alcohol consumption, and obesity
Vocabulary: A risk factor is an element that increases the likelihood of a harmful outcome.
Understanding causal mechanisms is essential in GCSE Biology. A causal mechanism explains how one risk factor influences another through a biological process.
Example: Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer because tar, a component of cigarette smoke, is a carcinogen.
Cancer is a significant focus in AQA GCSE Biology non-communicable diseases exam questions. It results from changes in cells leading to uncontrolled growth and division. Tumors, which are masses of abnormally growing cells, can be classified as benign or malignant.
Definition: Benign tumors are growths contained in one place, usually within a membrane, and do not invade other parts of the body.
Definition: Malignant tumors can spread around the body, invading healthy tissues and forming secondary tumors.
The causes of cancer are diverse and include:
- Genetic factors
- Carcinogens
- Viral infections
- Ionizing radiation
Treatment options for cancer include:
- Radiotherapy: Using radiation to destroy cancer cells
- Chemotherapy: Employing chemicals to stop cell division or cause cell death
This section provides essential information for Cancer GCSE Biology AQA and Cancer GCSE Biology questions.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user