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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 contributes to cancer development through several mechanisms. First, increased fat tissue leads to higher levels of estrogen, which is linked to various cancers, including breast and endometrial cancer. In addition, adipose tissue releases inflammatory cytokines, which can promote an environment conducive to cancer cell growth. This hyper-inflammatory state can lead to DNA damage and gene mutations, increasing the likelihood of cancerous changes in cells.
Step 2
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 is significant, with approximately 13% of bowel cancer cases attributed to obesity. This indicates that while obesity is a risk factor for all cancer types, its impact on bowel cancer is relatively high, suggesting that saturated fat and dietary habits may notably influence bowel health more than other cancers.
Step 4
(b) Explain why the men have different BMI values.
Answer
The Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation takes into account both weight and height. While both men weigh 80 kg, their heights differ. The man with a higher BMI is likely shorter, leading to a higher BMI value, while the taller man has a lower BMI due to his weight being distributed over a greater height.
Step 5
(c) Describe the different treatments available for cardiovascular disease.
Answer
Treatment options for cardiovascular disease include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, medications like statins to lower cholesterol, antihypertensives to manage blood pressure, and anticoagulants to prevent blood clots. In some cases, surgical interventions such as angioplasty or bypass surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow.