Non-communicable diseases (CCEA)

Non-communicable diseases can be:

Inherited

Some people carry a gene that predisposes them to some conditions (eg some cancers).

Caused by lifestyle factors

• a poor diet - excess sugar (diabetes) and fat intake (heart disease)

• lack of exercise - energy used in exercise being lower than energy intake is the cause of obesity

• overexposure to the sun - ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes mutations (skin cancer)

• misuse of drugs – alcohol and nicotine

Many people drink alcohol in moderation and are unlikely to suffer serious harm.

Binge drinking can cause harm to the individual and others. Binge drinking is when a large amount of alcohol is consumed over a short period of time.

Drinking alcohol excessively over a long period of time can damage the liver and other organs.

Drinking heavily during pregnancy can cause serious brain damage to the foetus, known as foetal alcohol syndrome.

Smoking bans have been effective at reducing passive smoking and encouraging people to stop smoking.

E-cigarettes help some quit smoking. Critics argue they may encourage non-smokers, especially children, to start using nicotine, causing health risks and long-term effects of vaping are not yet fully understood.

• The build up of cholesterol within the body’s arteries causes them to become narrow, restricting blood flow to the organs they supply.

• If this happens in the coronary arteries it is known as coronary heart disease (CHD) and if it happens in the brain, it is known as a stroke.

1. Cholesterol builds up in a coronary artery.
2. The artery becomes narrower as a blockage/clot forms.
3. Blood flow is restricted.
4. The heart muscle is starved of glucose and oxygen.
5. Respiration is reduced or stopped.
6. Heart cells die.

1. Cholesterol builds up in an artery in the brain.
2. The artery becomes narrower as a blockage/clot forms.
3. Blood flow is restricted.
4. Part of the brain is starved of glucose and oxygen.
5. Respiration is reduced or stopped.
6. Brain cells die.
7. A stroke can cause reduced brain function (e.g. paralysis).

Lifestyle factors play a significant role in either increasing or reducing the risk of heart disease and strokes.

• Increase risk: Excess dietary fats, smoking, stress, lack of exercise.
• Reduce risk: Healthy diet, regular exercise, managing stress, avoiding smoking.

Angioplasty is a medical procedure used to widen blocked or narrowed arteries, to restore blood flow.

A balloon is inserted into the blocked artery and inflated to push the blockage aside.

Then a stent (a small mesh tube) is placed to keep the artery open.

Drugs can reduce the risk of a clot and therefore a heart attack or stroke.

They are given to individuals at risk of a heart attack or stroke or who have already had one.

• Statins: lower blood cholesterol levels.

• Aspirin: reduces blood clotting to prevent blockages.

Cancer is uncontrolled cell division that can lead to the development of a tumour.

There are two types of tumour:

1. Benign

• encapsulated – surrounded by a boundary or capsule
• do not spread

2. Malignant

• less likely to be encapsulated
• capable of spreading via the blood and causing secondary tumours around the body
• usually more dangerous

• Cervical cancer: risk can be reduced with the HPV vaccine, which prevents infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a major cause of cervical cancer.

• Lung cancer: increased risk by smoking; tobacco smoke contains carcinogens that damage lung cells.

• Skin cancer: increased risk due to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds, which can damage skin cells and lead to cancer.

• Screening programs for cancers such as breast, cervical, testicular, and skin cancer allow for early detection.

• Early detection improves the chances of successful treatment because the tumour may be smaller and may not have spread. This significantly increases survival rates for cancer patients.

Surgery

• Advantages: removes the cancer cells directly.

• Disadvantages: may not remove all cancer cells; carries risks of infection and complications.

Radiotherapy

• Advantages: x-rays are used to kill cancer cells; very accurate at targeting even small tumours.
• Disadvantages: can kill healthy tissue; can cause side effects like fatigue and skin irritation.

Chemotherapy

• Advantages: drugs are used to kill cancer cells throughout the body; effective for cancers that have spread.

• Disadvantages: kills healthy cells too, leading to side effects like nausea, hair loss, and weakened immunity.

Immunotherapy

• Advantages: uses the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells; antibodies attach to cancer cell antigens allowing phagocytes to locate and destroy them. Fewer side effects than chemotherapy.

• Disadvantages: not suitable for all cancer types; can cause immune system reactions.