Non-Communicable Diseases - AQA GCSE Biology Revision

Topic overview

What you need to know

Non-Communicable Diseases is a key part of GCSE Biology. Connect structures to their functions and explain biological processes as clear causal sequences. A disease that cannot be passed from one person to another. E.g. cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes. Something that increases the likelihood of developing a disease. Can be lifestyle (smoking, diet) or genetic. Diseases of the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease. Often caused by fatty deposits (atheroma) in arteries.

Exam tip

Use precise scientific vocabulary and make each link in an explanation explicit.

Revision notes

Core ideas

Secure these ideas first. Say each definition in your own words, then connect it to the topic overview.

Non-communicable Disease: A disease that cannot be passed from one person to another. E.g. cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes.
Risk Factor: Something that increases the likelihood of developing a disease. Can be lifestyle (smoking, diet) or genetic.
Cardiovascular Disease: Diseases of the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease. Often caused by fatty deposits (atheroma) in arteries.
Stent: A small mesh tube inserted into a narrowed coronary artery to hold it open and restore blood flow.

Revision notes

Apply it in the exam

The exam will rarely ask for an isolated definition. Practise selecting the right idea and using it as part of a complete explanation or method.

Statin: A drug that reduces blood cholesterol levels, slowing the rate of fatty deposits forming in arteries.
Cancer: A disease caused by uncontrolled cell division (mitosis), forming a tumour. Benign tumours don't spread; malignant tumours can (metastasis).
Benign Tumour: A non-cancerous growth of cells contained in one area. It does not invade other tissues.
Malignant Tumour: A cancerous growth that can invade neighbouring tissues and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).

Core knowledge

Key facts for Non-Communicable Diseases

8 essentials

Non-communicable Disease

A disease that cannot be passed from one person to another. E.g. cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes.

Risk Factor

Something that increases the likelihood of developing a disease. Can be lifestyle (smoking, diet) or genetic.

Cardiovascular Disease

Diseases of the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease. Often caused by fatty deposits (atheroma) in arteries.

Stent

A small mesh tube inserted into a narrowed coronary artery to hold it open and restore blood flow.

Statin

A drug that reduces blood cholesterol levels, slowing the rate of fatty deposits forming in arteries.

Cancer

A disease caused by uncontrolled cell division (mitosis), forming a tumour. Benign tumours don't spread; malignant tumours can (metastasis).

Benign Tumour

A non-cancerous growth of cells contained in one area. It does not invade other tissues.

Malignant Tumour

A cancerous growth that can invade neighbouring tissues and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).

Active recall

Close the notes and answer these

1.Without looking, explain non-communicable disease and give one example or consequence.
2.Without looking, explain risk factor and give one example or consequence.
3.Without looking, explain cardiovascular disease and give one example or consequence.
4.Without looking, explain stent and give one example or consequence.

Content reviewed 23 July 2026 against the current linked specification.

Finished learning?

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