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Cancer Research UK found that many people do not realise that obesity is linked to an increased risk of developing cancer - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 9
Cancer Research UK found that many people do not realise that obesity is linked to an increased risk of developing cancer. In the body, fat tissue sends signals tha... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Cancer Research UK found that many people do not realise that obesity is linked to an increased risk of developing cancer - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
(i) Describe how this could cause cancer to develop.
Answer
Obesity can cause cancer to develop through several mechanisms. Increased fat tissue leads to higher levels of hormones such as estrogen and insulin, which can stimulate cell growth and division. Furthermore, the chronic inflammation associated with excess fat can damage DNA, contributing to mutations that may lead to cancer. The combination of hormonal imbalance and inflammatory processes creates an environment that can predispose cells to malignant transformation.
Step 3
(iii) Determine how the impact of obesity on bowel cancer compares to the impact of obesity on all types of cancer.
Answer
The impact of obesity on bowel cancer, where approximately 13% of cases are attributed to obesity, highlights a significant risk factor, as obesity contributes to a specific type of cancer. In contrast, while obesity is linked to 1 in 20 cases of all types of cancer, it indicates that its impact varies across different cancers. This suggests that obesity has a more pronounced relationship with bowel cancer than with the wider spectrum of cancers.
Step 4
(b) Explain why the men have different BMI values.
Answer
The differences in BMI values between the two men, despite having the same mass of 80 kg, can be attributed to their heights. BMI is calculated using the formula:
ext{BMI} = rac{ ext{mass (kg)}}{ ext{height (m)}^2}
Therefore, if one man is taller, his BMI will be lower as the weight is spread over a larger area. In contrast, the shorter man will have a higher BMI, categorizing him as obese.
Step 5
(c) Describe the different treatments available for cardiovascular disease.
Answer
Various treatments are available for cardiovascular disease, including lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical interventions.
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Lifestyle Changes: This includes dietary modifications to reduce cholesterol intake, increased physical activity, and smoking cessation.
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Medications: Common medications include statins to lower cholesterol, antihypertensive drugs to manage blood pressure, and anticoagulants to prevent blood clots.
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Surgical Interventions: In severe cases, surgical options such as angioplasty to open blocked arteries or bypass surgery may be necessary.
These treatments aim to manage symptoms, prevent progression, and reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes.