Non-Communicable Diseases Practice Questions

Q: World anti-tobacco day is celebrated on?

31st May. **Explanation:** **World No Tobacco Day (WNTD)** is observed annually on **May 31st**. Created by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987, this day aims to raise global awareness about the tobacco epidemic and the preventable deaths and diseases it causes. For NEET-PG, it is crucial to remember that tobacco is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular disease, COPD, and various cancers. **Analysis of Options:** * **31st May (Correct):** The official WHO-designated day for anti-tobacco advocacy. Each year, the WHO selects a specific theme (e.g., "Protecting children from tobacco industry interference") to focus global efforts. * **5th June:** This is **World Environment Day**, another high-yield date in Community Medicine focusing on ecosystem restoration and pollution control. * **12th July:** This is **World Malala Day** (and historically associated with Paper Bag Day). It is not a major health-related day in the standard SPM curriculum. * **24th November:** This date does not correspond to a major global health day; however, the third Thursday of November is often observed as the "Great American Smokeout." **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **MPOWER Strategy:** The WHO’s package to assist in the country-level implementation of tobacco control (Monitor, Protect, Offer help, Warn, Enforce, Raise taxes). * **Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003:** The primary Indian legislation governing tobacco control. * **Tobacco Cessation Pharmacotherapy:** First-line agents include Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), Varenicline (partial agonist at α4β2 nicotinic receptors), and Bupropion. * **National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP):** Launched in 2007-08 to facilitate the implementation of COTPA.

Q: What is the most common cancer affecting both males and females globally?

Lung cancer. **Explanation:** **Correct Option: C. Lung cancer** According to the latest **GLOBOCAN** data (WHO), **Lung Cancer** remains the most common cancer globally when considering both sexes combined. It accounts for approximately 12.4% of all new cancer cases and is also the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The high incidence is primarily attributed to the global prevalence of tobacco smoking and increasing environmental air pollution. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **A. Cancer of the pancreas:** While highly lethal with a poor prognosis, it does not rank among the top five most common cancers globally. * **B. Buccal mucosa cancer:** This is a subset of Oral Cancer. While it is highly prevalent in **India** (due to tobacco and betel nut chewing), it is not the most common cancer on a global scale. * **D. Colo-rectal cancer:** This is the third most common cancer globally. While its incidence is rising due to dietary shifts and sedentary lifestyles, it still trails behind lung and breast cancer. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Global Scenario:** Most common cancer (Both sexes) = **Lung Cancer**. (Note: Breast cancer recently fluctuated with Lung for the #1 spot, but Lung remains the most common cause of *death*). * **Indian Scenario:** Most common cancer (Both sexes) = **Breast Cancer**. * **Indian Males:** Most common cancer = **Lip/Oral Cavity** (specifically Buccal Mucosa). * **Indian Females:** Most common cancer = **Breast Cancer** (followed by Cervix). * **Global Mortality:** Lung cancer is the #1 killer among all cancers.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a measurement used for the assessment of obesity?

Sullivan's index. ### Explanation The correct answer is **D. Sullivan’s Index**. #### 1. Why Sullivan’s Index is the Correct Answer Sullivan’s index is a measure of **disability-free life expectancy**. It is calculated by subtracting the duration of disability/sickness from the total life expectancy. It is a key indicator of the **quality of life** and population health status, rather than a physical measurement of body fat or obesity. #### 2. Analysis of Incorrect Options (Obesity Indices) * **A. Quetelet’s Index:** This is the most common name for the **Body Mass Index (BMI)**. It is calculated as $Weight (kg) / Height (m^2)$. * **B. Broca Index:** A simple formula used to estimate ideal body weight. * *Formula:* $Height (cm) - 100$. * Example: For a person 170 cm tall, the ideal weight is 70 kg. * **C. Corpulence Index (Ponderal Index):** Similar to BMI but uses the cube of the height. * *Formula:* $Weight (kg) / Height (m^3)$. It is often used in pediatrics to assess neonates. #### 3. High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG * **Best indicator of abdominal obesity:** Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR). A ratio **>0.9 in men** and **>0.85 in women** indicates central obesity. * **Waist Circumference:** A high-yield predictor of metabolic risk. Action is needed if $>90$ cm in Indian men or $>80$ cm in Indian women. * **Skinfold Thickness:** Measured using **Harpenden Calipers** (most commonly at the triceps). * **Obesity Classification (WHO):** * Overweight: BMI 25–29.9 * Obese: BMI $\geq 30$ * *Note:* For Asians/Indians, the cutoff for overweight is lower ($\geq 23$) and obesity is $\geq 25$.

Q: A 46-year-old female presents to the eye Outpatient Department with a right eye visual acuity of 6/60 and a left eye visual acuity of 3/60. What is the most appropriate classification of her vision?

Low vision. ### Explanation This question tests your knowledge of the **WHO classification of visual impairment**, which is a high-yield topic for NEET-PG. **1. Why "Low Vision" is correct:** According to the WHO (ICD-10), visual impairment is classified based on the visual acuity in the **better eye** with best possible correction. * **Low Vision:** Visual acuity less than 6/18 but equal to or better than 3/60 in the better eye. * **Blindness:** Visual acuity less than 3/60 in the better eye. In this clinical scenario, the patient’s right eye is 6/60 and the left eye is 3/60. The **better eye is the right eye (6/60)**. Since 6/60 falls within the range of <6/18 to 3/60, she is classified as having **Low Vision**. **2. Why other options are incorrect:** * **Socially Blind (A):** This term refers to a visual acuity of <3/60 in the better eye (Category 3, 4, and 5 of WHO classification). Since her better eye is 6/60, she does not meet this criteria. * **Economically Blind (C):** This is a term used specifically under the **NPCB (National Programme for Control of Blindness)** in India, defined as visual acuity <6/60 in the better eye. While she is at the threshold, "Low Vision" is the standard WHO clinical classification. * **Normal Vision (D):** Normal vision is defined as 6/6 to 6/18. **3. High-Yield NEET-PG Pearls:** * **NPCB Definition of Blindness:** In India, the NPCB defines blindness as visual acuity **<3/60** in the better eye (updated to align with WHO). * **One-eyed person:** If one eye is 6/6 and the other is 0 (nil), the person is **not** considered blind by WHO standards because the better eye is normal. * **Visual Field:** Blindness also includes a visual field of less than 10 degrees around central fixation in the better eye.

Q: Beer consumption is associated with which of the following carcinomas?

Carcinoma of the rectum. **Explanation:** The association between alcohol consumption and malignancy is well-established, but specific types of alcohol are epidemiologically linked to specific sites. **1. Why Option C is correct:** Epidemiological studies have consistently demonstrated a strong and specific association between **beer consumption and Rectal Cancer**. While general alcohol intake increases the risk of various gastrointestinal cancers, beer contains specific nitrosamines (formed during the malting process) and other congeners that are thought to exert a more potent carcinogenic effect on the rectal mucosa compared to other alcoholic beverages. **2. Why other options are incorrect:** * **Carcinoma of the Cervix:** This is primarily associated with High-Risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV 16, 18) infection and early sexual activity; alcohol is not a primary risk factor. * **Carcinoma of the Liver:** While chronic alcohol consumption leads to cirrhosis and subsequent Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), this is linked to the **total quantity of ethanol** consumed over time (regardless of the beverage type) rather than beer specifically. * **Carcinoma of the Colon:** Although often grouped with rectal cancer (Colorectal Cancer), the association with beer is statistically significantly stronger for the **rectum** than for the colon. **3. High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Alcohol & Cancer:** Alcohol is a known risk factor for cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, breast, and colorectum. * **Acetaldehyde:** The primary metabolite of ethanol, acetaldehyde, is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the IARC. * **Dietary Fiber:** High intake of dietary fiber is the most significant *protective* factor against colorectal carcinomas. * **Nitrosamines:** These are the specific compounds in beer implicated in rectal carcinogenesis.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a component of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)?

Diagnosis and treatment at sub-centers. ### Explanation The **National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)**, now subsumed under the National Programme for Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), follows a tiered healthcare delivery model. **Why Option B is the Correct Answer:** Under NPCDCS guidelines, **Sub-centers (and Health & Wellness Centers)** are primarily responsible for **screening, health promotion, and follow-up care**. They are not equipped for the definitive **diagnosis and treatment** of NCDs. Diagnosis and initiation of treatment are mandated at higher levels, specifically at **Primary Health Centers (PHCs)** or **Community Health Centers (CHCs)** and above, where medical officers and specialized diagnostic facilities are available. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Option A:** Opportunistic screening for hypertension (blood pressure) and diabetes (blood glucose) is a core activity at the sub-center level for all individuals aged 30 years and above. * **Option C:** Health promotion through behavior change communication (BCC) regarding diet, physical activity, and tobacco cessation is a key pillar of the program at the district and community levels. * **Option D:** The program aims to integrate NCD services through "NCD Clinics" established at District Hospitals and CHCs, providing a single window for the management of these four major diseases. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Target Age:** Screening for NCDs under NPCDCS starts at **30 years**. * **NCD Clinic Locations:** Established at CHCs and District Hospitals. * **Cardiac Care Unit (CCU):** Mandated at the District Hospital level for emergency management of stroke and MI. * **Tertiary Care:** Supported through State Cancer Institutes (SCI) and Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCC).

Q: What is the commonest cancer in males?

Prostate. ### Explanation The correct answer is **Prostate cancer**. **1. Why Prostate is Correct:** According to global epidemiological data (GLOBOCAN), **Prostate cancer** is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in the majority of developed countries and is the most common cancer in males worldwide when excluding non-melanoma skin cancers. While incidence rates vary geographically, it remains the leading site for new cancer cases in males globally due to increased screening (PSA testing) and an aging population. **2. Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Lung Cancer (Option A):** While Lung cancer is the **leading cause of cancer-related mortality** (deaths) in males worldwide, it ranks second to prostate cancer in terms of overall incidence (new cases). * **Testis (Option C):** Testicular cancer is relatively rare. It is significant only as the most common malignancy in young men (ages 15–35), but it does not lead in overall male population statistics. * **Oral Cavity (Option D):** Oral cancer is highly prevalent in specific regions like **India** due to tobacco and betel nut chewing habits. In the Indian context, Lip and Oral Cavity cancer often ranks as the #1 cancer in males, but globally, Prostate cancer takes precedence. **3. High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Global (Males):** Most common incidence = **Prostate**; Most common mortality = **Lung**. * **India (Males):** Most common incidence = **Lip/Oral Cavity** (followed by Lung). * **Global (Females):** Most common incidence and mortality = **Breast**. * **India (Females):** Most common incidence = **Breast** (Cervix is now #2 in most urban registries). * **Overall (Both sexes):** Breast cancer has recently overtaken Lung cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally.

Q: Which of the following conditions typically does NOT present with both fever and rash?

Rabies. **Explanation:** The correct answer is **Rabies**. In Community Medicine and Infectious Diseases, the "Fever with Rash" complex is a classic clinical presentation for many viral exanthems, but Rabies is a distinct neurological infection. **1. Why Rabies is the correct answer:** Rabies is an acute, progressive viral encephalomyelitis. While it may begin with a prodromal phase of fever, headache, and malaise, its hallmark clinical features are neurological—specifically **hydrophobia, aerophobia, photophobia, and excessive salivation**. It does **not** present with a characteristic skin rash. The primary skin finding in rabies is localized paresthesia or tingling at the site of the bite, not a generalized exanthem. **2. Why the other options are incorrect:** * **Measles (Rubeola):** Characterized by high fever and a maculopapular rash that starts behind the ears and spreads downwards (cephalocaudal). It is preceded by the 3 Cs (Cough, Coryza, Conjunctivitis) and Koplik spots. * **Rubella (German Measles):** Presents with a low-grade fever and a rash similar to measles but milder and of shorter duration (3-day measles), often accompanied by posterior cervical lymphadenopathy. * **Chickenpox (Varicella):** Presents with fever and a classic pleomorphic rash (vesicles in various stages of development) appearing in crops, described as "dewdrops on a rose petal." **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Incubation Period:** Rabies has a highly variable incubation period (usually 1–3 months), whereas Measles (10–14 days) and Chickenpox (14–16 days) are more predictable. * **Negri Bodies:** Pathognomonic histological finding in the brain (hippocampus) for Rabies. * **Rule of Thumb:** Most childhood exanthematous illnesses follow the "Fever + Rash" pattern; Rabies follows the "Bite + Hydrophobia" pattern.

Question 1

World anti-tobacco day is celebrated on?

Accepted Answer

31st May

Answer

12th July

Answer

5th June

Answer

24th November

Question 2

According to national control programmes for non-communicable diseases, which of the following statements is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

According to the stroke control programme, the first priority is given to controlling diabetes, eliminating smoking, and preventing and managing other risk factors.

Answer

According to WHO, Coronary Heart disease is considered a modern epidemic, a disease that affects the population, and not an unavoidable attribute of aging.

Answer

Cancer is characterized by abnormal cell growth, the ability to invade adjacent tissues and distant organs, leading to the eventual death of the affected person if the tumor has progressed significantly. The DALYs lost worldwide due to cancer are 77.812.

Answer

Diabetes is an 'iceberg' disease. The increase in both prevalence and incidence of type 2 DM globally is associated with industrialization and socio-economic development.

Question 3

What is the most common cancer affecting both males and females globally?

Accepted Answer

Lung cancer

Answer

Cancer of the pancreas

Answer

Buccal mucosa cancer

Answer

Colo-rectal cancer

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a measurement used for the assessment of obesity?

Accepted Answer

Sullivan's index

Answer

Quetelet's index

Answer

Broca index

Answer

Corpulence index

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for the development of Diabetes Mellitus?

Accepted Answer

High intake of vitamin A

Answer

Obesity

Answer

Sedentary lifestyle

Answer

Excess fat intake

Question 6

A 46-year-old female presents to the eye Outpatient Department with a right eye visual acuity of 6/60 and a left eye visual acuity of 3/60. What is the most appropriate classification of her vision?

Accepted Answer

Low vision

Answer

Socially blind

Answer

Economically blind

Answer

Normal vision

Question 7

Beer consumption is associated with which of the following carcinomas?

Accepted Answer

Carcinoma of the rectum

Answer

Carcinoma of the cervix

Answer

Carcinoma of the liver

Answer

Carcinoma of the colon

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a component of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis and treatment at sub-centers

Answer

Screening of blood pressure and blood glucose at sub-centers

Answer

Health promotion at the district level

Answer

A single center for cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke

Question 9

What is the commonest cancer in males?

Accepted Answer

Prostate

Answer

Lung

Answer

Testis

Answer

Oral cavity

Question 10

Which of the following conditions typically does NOT present with both fever and rash?

Accepted Answer

Rabies

Answer

Measles

Answer

Rubella

Answer

Chickenpox

Non-Communicable Diseases — MCQs

Non-Communicable Diseases — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?