Definition
The presence of a risk factor increases the likelihood of a disease or adverse event. For example, smoking is a recognized risk factor for lung cancer, COPD, and cardiovascular disease. There is a causal (cause-and-effect) relationship.
Relationship between risk factor and disease
The presence of a risk factor does not necessarily lead to the corresponding event. A driver may remain accident-free throughout his or her life, and not every overweight person develops type 2 diabetes. However, to conclude from these positive cases that risk factors do not exist or are irrelevant is not valid.
Avoiding risks
Those who avoid or reduce risk factors can prevent disease and improve the chances of recovery. However, there are no guarantees here either. Those who consistently apply sunscreen may still develop melanoma. Avoiding all risks is certainly not a good idea, because every activity in life also involves certain dangers.
Typical risk factors (selection)
Often, several different factors are involved in the development of a disease, such as:
- Age
- Inheritance
- Smoking
- Overweight
- High blood pressure
- Lack of exercise
- Unhealthy lifestyle
- Childhood experiences
- Use of used syringes
- Unprotected sexual intercourse
- Environmental factors
- Intoxicants
Influencing risks
A distinction can be made between modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Factors that cannot be influenced include, for example, age and heredity. Risk factors can also be divided into endogenous (internal, endogenous) and exogenous (external, environmental).
Risk and experience
Experience or age can lower risk in some circumstances. This is true, for example, in driving, where a large number of accidents are caused by young novice drivers. Although the risk may decrease, it never decreases to zero. Even an experienced mountain guide who has led many tours can be buried by an avalanche at any time.
