Final answer:
Strokes, cancer, and heart disease are often referred to as "diseases of civilization" because they are rare in hunter-gatherer populations due to differing lifestyle factors. Modern lifestyles with less physical activity and unhealthy diets contribute to these diseases, which could be mitigated by healthier living habits and early detection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Heart disease, stroke, and cancer are leading causes of death in developed countries and have both genetic and environmental factors. Lifestyle choices, including inactivity, poor diet, and smoking, significantly contribute to the prevalence of these diseases. In contrast, hunter-gatherer societies had diets and physical activities that were naturally integrated into their daily lives, likely contributing to the rarity of such diseases in their populations. In modern societies, with increased sedentary behavior and processed food consumption, rates of these diseases have escalated. Cardiovascular diseases are particularly connected to conditions like atherosclerosis, which is exacerbated by lifestyles high in saturated fats and low in physical activity.
Mitigation strategies, such as regular exercise and healthy diet choices, are crucial in reducing the risk of these so-called diseases of civilization. Furthermore, early detection and management can help in combating their severity. Understanding the historical context of these diseases helps underscore the importance of lifestyle choices in their prevention and management.