2.4.6

Examples of Risk Factors

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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:

Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease

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

Obesity

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

Liver and brain damage

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

Lung diseases

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

Cancer

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

Low birth weight of babies

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

Brain damage in babies

  • Excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a proven risk factor for brain damage in babies.
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1

Cell Biology

1.1

What's in Cells?

1.2

Cell Division

1.3

Transport in Cells

2

Organisation

2.1

Principles of Organisation

2.2

Enzymes

2.3

Circulatory System

2.4

Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5

Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3

Infection & Response

4

Bioenergetics

5

Homeostasis & Response

5.1

Homeostasis

5.2

The Human Nervous System

5.3

Hormonal Coordination in Humans

5.4

Plant Hormones

6

Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

6.1

Reproduction

6.2

Variation & Evolution

6.3

Genetics & Evolution

6.4

Classification

7

Ecology

7.1

Adaptations & Interdependence

7.2

Organisation of Ecosystems

7.3

Biodiversity

7.4

Trophic Levels

7.5

Food Production

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