2.4.6

Examples of Risk Factors

Test yourself

Risk Factors

Many links have been identified between risk factors and the probability of getting certain diseases. Scientists investigate links to make sure that the risk factor is causing the disease and not something else. Finding causal mechanisms is the way to prove a link. Examples of such mechanisms:

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Cardiovascular disease

  • Poor diet, smoking and lack of exercise are proven risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
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Obesity

  • Obesity is a proven risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.
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Liver and brain damage

  • Excessive alcohol intake is a risk factor for liver and brain damage.
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Lung diseases

  • Smoking is a proven risk factor for lung diseases.
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Cancer

  • Exposure to ionising radiation (radiation that can damage cells) is a proven risk factor for cancer.
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Low birth weight of babies

  • Smoking during pregnancy is a proven risk factor for the low birth weight of babies.
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Brain damage in babies

  • Excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a proven risk factor for brain damage in babies.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

1.1What's in Cells?

1.2Cell Division

1.3Transport in Cells

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

5.1Homeostasis

5.2The Human Nervous System

5.3Hormonal Coordination in Humans

5.4Plant Hormones

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

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