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GCSE Combined Science · key term
Something that increases the likelihood of developing a disease.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Specification 4.2.2.6, 4.2.2.7 · Paper 1
A factor linked to an increased rate or likelihood of a disease.
Revise: Lifestyle and non-communicable diseasesA risk factor is linked to an increased rate of disease. It changes the likelihood of developing a disease, rather than making the outcome certain. Someone who smokes may never develop lung cancer, while someone who has never smoked may develop it.
Paper 1, Paper 2
A characteristic, behaviour or exposure that increases the chance of developing a disease.
Revise: Non-Communicable Diseases: Risk Factors and TreatmentsThese conditions often develop through the interaction of several risk factors, rather than one cause acting alone. Lifestyle factors include diet, exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption. Age, inherited characteristics and environmental exposures can also affect risk.
Describe a risk factor as increasing the likelihood of disease, not guaranteeing that someone will develop it.
A risk factor increases the likelihood of cancer; it does not mean cancer will definitely develop.
A risk factor increases the probability of disease; it does not mean that everyone exposed will develop it. Correlation alone does not establish causation.
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