Susceptibility

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) most diseases involve environmental factors and the complex interaction of many genes
Although an individual may not be born with a disease, their genetics may make them susceptible to acquring it later in life
The diseases that are more likely to happen to individuals with susceptibility include, cancer, diabetes and a high blood cholesterol

Susceptibility- an increased likelihood of acquiring a disease because of an individuals genetic make-up

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Cancer

Over 200 types
Cell disease that results in cells becoming abnormal and dividing to create more abnormal cells
Most attributed to environmental and lifestyle factors
Lung cancer is linked to tobacco use and skin cancer is linked to over exposure of the sun (ultraviolet light)
It is estimated that over 40% of cancers can be prevented by making different lifestyle choices and avoiding certain environmental factors
Some people are more at risk because they have inherited faults
Cancers with a genetic link include; breats, bowel, womb and kidney
Faulty gene does not mean that someone will get cancer but lifestyle choices may increase the risk

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Lifestyle Factors

Environmental Factors

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Chronic condition
Approximately 1 in 16 people in the UK have diabetes (figure has doubled since 1996)
Type 1 (early onset/insulin dependent) strong predisposition. There is a greater risk if one or both biological parents have diabetes
Type 2 (later/mature onset) environment and lifestyle play a greater role

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Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is carried around the body by proteins
Too much cholesterol can build up in the artery walls and lead to heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases
Lifestyle; smoking, diet, lack of exercise
Caused by an inherited condition-hypercholesterolemia
Caused by a gene alteration inherited from a parent
People are born with this and it can lead to early heart problems if left untreated

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