Communicable and non-communicable diseasesSpec 5.2
A communicable disease can be passed from one organism to another. It is caused by a pathogen, so it is also called an infectious disease. Cholera, tuberculosis and malaria are communicable.
A non-communicable disease cannot be passed from one person to another. It is not caused by a pathogen. Cardiovascular disease, many cancers and diseases linked to nutrition are non-communicable.
| Communicable | Non-communicable | |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | A pathogen | Not a pathogen; often a mix of several factors |
| Passed on? | Yes, between people (or animals or plants) | No |
| Examples | Cholera, tuberculosis, malaria, HIV | Heart disease, lung cancer, liver disease |