Adjuvant therapy Medical treatment provided to a patient in addition to surgery to aid in the killing of cancer cells; adjuvant (meaning one that helps) chemotherapy and radiation therapy are both used in Colon cancer treatment in an effort to eliminate all cancerous cells from the body. Usually after all detectable tumour is removed by surgery or radiotherapy.

Adrenal glands Two small organs near the kidneys that release hormones.

AFP (Alpha fetoprotein) A tumour marker.

Alopecia Loss of hair or baldness. This may include all body hair as well as scalp hair.

Allogeneic The infusion of bone marrow from one individual (donor) to another.

Analgesic Any drug that relieves pain. Aspirin and acetaminophen are mild analgesics.

Anemia A condition in which a decreased number of red blood cells may cause symptoms including tiredness, shortness of breath, and weakness. Any condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Angiogenesis Development of blood vessels; anti-angiogenesis drugs attempt to block the formation of new blood vessels a tumour needs to grow and spread.

Anorexia The loss of appetite.

Anti-angiogenesis Anti-angiogenic drugs attempt to block the formation of new blood vessels a tumour needs to grow and spread.

Antibody A substance formed by the body to help defend it against infection.

Antiemetic Remedy or drug intended to control nausea and vomiting.

Antifungal agent A remedy or drug used to treat fungal infections.

Antigen Any substance that causes the body to produce natural antibodies. This can be a natural remedy, a food or a drug.

Antineoplastic agent A drug that prevents, kills, or blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Anxiety State of intense apprehension, uncertainty, and fear resulting from the anticipation of a threatening event or situation.

Arrhythmia An irregular heartbeat.

Arterial access device Semipermanent device that allows a doctor or nurse direct access to an artery without having to put a needle in the artery every time treatment is given.

Arms (Clinical Trials) Clinical trials can include multiple "arms." Each arm is a study group of patients receiving a specific treatment or combination of treatments that is being compared to other treatment arms as well as to the control arm. The "control arm" is the best available standard treatment.

Aspiration The process of removing fluid or tissue, or both, from a specific area.

Autoimmunity A condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly fights and rejects the body's own tissues.

Autologous The infusion of a patient's own bone marrow previously removed and stored.

Axilla The armpit.

Axillary nodes Lymph nodes - also called lymph glands ­ found in the armpit (axilla).

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Barium enema The use of a milky solution (barium sulfate) given by an enema to allow x-ray examination of the lower intestinal tract.

Barium swallow The use of a milky solution (barium sulfate) given orally to allow x-ray examination of the upper intestinal tract.

Barium x-ray Practice of using the metal barium in liquid form, in combination with x-rays, to create a picture of the intestines.

Basal cell carcinoma The most common type of skin cancer.

Benign growth A swelling or growth that is not cancerous and does not spread from one part of the body to another.

Best Available Standard Treatment Also known as the control treatment, the best available standard treatment is the current treatment that has shown the best results in past trials. The standard is evolving as clinical trials identify new treatments with better results. If a patient is in a Phase 3 clinical trial below), he will get either an ‘experimental’ treatment or the best available standard treatment (control treatment).

Biopsy The surgical removal of tissue for microscopic examination to aid in diagnosis.

Biological therapy The use of substances that normally occur in the body in small amounts; used in larger doses to treat disease.

Blood cells Minute structures produced in the bone marrow; they consist of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Blood count The number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a sample of blood.

Bone marrow The spongy material found inside the bones. Most blood cells are made in the bone marrow.

Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration The procedure by which a needle is inserted into a bone to withdraw a sample of bone marrow.

Bone marrow suppression A decrease in the production of blood cells.

Bone marrow transplant The infusion of bone marrow into a patient who has been treated with high dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Patients may use their own marrow, which in some cases has been frozen.

Bone scan A picture of the bones using a radioactive dye that shows any injury, disease, or healing. This is a valuable test to determine if cancer has spread to the bone, if anticancer therapy has been successful, and if affected bony areas are healing.

Bowel obstruction Blockage or clogging of the intestine.

BRAT diet Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast diet; this combination of foods can sometimes be used to stop or slow down diarrhea.

Breast self-examination (BSE) A manual self-examination of the breasts.

Bronchogenic carcinoma A cancer originating in the lungs or airways.

Bronchoscopy The insertion of a flexible, lighted tube through the mouth into the lungs to examine the lungs and airways.

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Cachexia General weight loss and muscle wasting that occurs during the course of a chronic illness such as cancer.

Calorie A unit of measure that reflects how much energy is present in a food.

Cancer A group of diseases in which malignant cells grow out of control and spread to other parts of the body.

Cancer in situ The stage where the cancer is still confined to the tissue in which it started.

Candidiasis A common fungal infection.

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) A protein marker in the blood that may be present with some cancers and other diseases; may be used in some cases of Colon cancer to monitor response to treatment or disease recurrence.

Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer. For example, nicotine in cigarettes is a carcinogen that causes lung cancer.

Carcinoma A type of cancer that starts in the skin or the lining of organs.

Cardiomegaly An enlargement of the heart.

CAT scan (CT scan) A test using computers and x-rays to create images of various parts of the body.

CEA (Carcinoembryonic antigen) A blood tumour marker.

Cell The smallest living unit capable of independent existence. Humans are made up of billions and billions of cells.

Cellulitis The inflammation of an area of the skin (epithelial layer).

Central venous catheter A special intravenous tubing that is surgically inserted into a large vein near the heart and exits from the chest or abdomen. The catheter allows medications, fluids, or blood products to be given and blood samples to be taken.

Cervical carcinoma A cancer of the cervix (the neck of the uterus).

Cervical nodes Lymph nodes in the neck.

Chemoembolization A procedure in which the blood supply to the tumour is blocked surgically or mechanically and anticancer drugs are administered directly into the tumour. This permits a higher concentration of drug to be
in contact with the tumour for a longer period of time.

Chemotherapy The treatment of disease by chemical agents or drugs.

Chondrosarcoma A malignant tumour of cartilage that usually occurs near the ends of the long bones.

Chronic Persisting over a long period of time.

Clinical Trial A trial involving doctors and patients with either a new treatment protocol (surgery and/or drugs), or a new diagnostic tool. Normally held and carried out with strict guidelines.

Colon The part of the large intestine that extends from the end of the small intestine to the rectum.

Colonoscope Flexible, elongated tube that can be inserted through the anus allowing the inside of the colon to be seen.

Colonoscopy Visual examination of the inner surface of the colon by means of a colonoscope. A procedure to look at the colon or large bowel through a lighted, flexible tube.

Colony-stimulating factor (CSF) An injectable substance used to stimulate the bone marrow to produce more cells.

Colostomy A surgical procedure to create an opening of the colon through the skin of the abdomen to allow for the passage of feces into a collection bag; also the opening itself.

Colposcopy Examination of the vagina and cervix with an instrument called a colposcope.

Combination chemotherapy The use of more than one drug during cancer treatment.

Congestive heart failure A buildup of fluid in the lungs or extremities, or both (especially the legs). This occurs if the heart cannot pump the blood adequately.

CT scan Computed tomography scan; special type of x-ray that uses a computer to give the doctor a more detailed look at the internal organs than a regular x-ray.

Curative treatment Treatment for a disease that is intended to cure the patient of the disease.

Cyst An accumulation of fluid or semisolid material within a sac.

Cystitis An inflammation of the bladder.

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Dehydration The loss of total body water; in Colon cancer, this can occur because of vomiting, diarrhea, or low fluid intake.

Depression A psychological disorder with symptoms such as sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes thoughts of suicide.

Differentiated Refers to how specialized a cell is to perform a specific function; in cancer, the more specialized or differentiated the cancer cell is, the closer to normal it is.

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) The examination of the rectum by inserting a gloved finger into the anus to feel for abnormalities.

Drug resistance The result of cells' ability to resist the effects of a specific drug.

Dysphagia Difficulty in swallowing.

Dyspnea Difficult or painful breathing; shortness of breath.

Dysuria Difficult or painful urination.

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Edema The accumulation of fluid in part of the body.

Effusion A collection of fluid in a body cavity, usually between two adjoining tissues. For example, a pleural effusion is the collection of fluid between two layers of the pleura (the lung's covering).

Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) A test that takes recordings of the electrical activity of the heart.

Electrolyte Any of various ions, such as sodium, potassium, or chloride, required by cells to regulate the electric charge and flow of water across the cell membranes.

Endocavitary irradiation Use of radiation inside the body cavity, to reduce the size of a tumour; used in rectal cancer by placing radioactive material inside the rectum.

Endometrial carcinoma A cancer of the lining of the uterus.

Endoscopy A procedure looking at the inside of body cavities, such as the esophagus (food pipe) or stomach.

Enterostomal therapist Nurse or therapist who specializes in the care and maintenance of a stoma or an ostomy.

Erythema Redness of the skin.

Erythrocyte The red blood cell that carries oxygen to body cells and carbon dioxide away from body cells.

Esophagitis Inflammation of the esophagus (food pipe).

Estrogen A female hormone produced primarily by the ovaries.

Estrogen receptor assay (ER assay) A test that determines if breast cancer is stimulated by the hormone estrogen.

Ewing's sarcoma A malignant tumour starting in bone, affecting the bones of extremities. It often appears before the age of 20.

Excision Surgical removal.

External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) The sending of radiation from outside the body toward a tumour or potential tumour site inside the body.

Extravasation The leaking of intravenous fluids or medications into tissue surrounding the infusion site. Extravasation may cause tissue damage.

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Feces The matter discharged from the bowel during bowel movements consisting mostly of the waste material from food.

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) A test which checks for blood in the feces. This test can be done at home. These are available from www.testcountry.com

Fellow Doctor who has completed his or her general training, but is specializing in a field such as medical oncology or radiation oncology.

Fiberoptic Thin fibers of glass or plastic inside an instrument that allow the inside of the body to be seen.

Fine-needle aspirate A procedure in which a needle is inserted, under local anesthesia, to obtain a sample for the evaluation of suspicious tissue.

Fistula An abnormal opening between two areas of the body.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) The FDA’s role is to oversee the pharmaceutical research conducted by drug companies, university research centres and physicians to make sure that federal regulations governing this research are followed.

Frozen section A technique in which tissue is removed and then quick-frozen and examined under a microscope by a pathologist.

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Genetic material Material that gives us heredity from our parents; genes are made up of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).

Gluten Wheat gum; the protein part of wheat and some other grains.

Granulocyte A type of white blood cell that kills bacteria.

Gray Unit of measure used by radiation oncologists to calculate the amount of radiation used in cancer treatments.

Guaiac test A test that checks for hidden blood in the stool.

Gynecologic Oncologist is a specialist trained in a number of medical disciplines relating to cancer of the female reproductive system.

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Hematocrit (Hct) The percentage of red blood cells in the blood. A low hematocrit measurement indicates anemia.

Hematologist A doctor who specializes in the problems of blood and bone marrow.

Hematology The science that studies the blood.

Hematuria Blood in the urine.

Hemoccult (Guaiac) test A test that checks for hidden blood in the stool.

Hepatic Arterial Infusion (HAI) The delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to the liver through a catheter placed in the hepatic artery. This is most often done in the operating room with general anesthesia and an open procedure. A pump is implanted percutaneously (under the skin) for delivery of chemotherapy. The type and the schedule of chemotherapy delivered via the pump will depend on the physician. Generally, the pump is filled with chemotherapy once a month. Body temperature and the mechanism of the pump allow chemotherapy to be delivered continuously at a slow rate directly to the liver. The physician may choose to also give systemic chemotherapy in conjunction with HAI.

Herpes simplex The most common virus that causes sores often seen around the mouth, commonly called cold sores.

Herpes zoster A virus that settles around certain nerves causing blisters, swelling, and pain. This condition is also called shingles.

Hodgkin's disease A cancer that affects the lymph nodes. See Lymphoma.

Hormones Substances secreted by various organs of the body that regulate growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Hospice A concept of supportive care to meet the special needs of patients and family during the terminal stages of illness. The care may be delivered in the home or hospital by a specially trained team of professionals.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) The virus that causes AIDS.

Human leukocyte antigen test (HLA) A special blood test used to match a blood or bone marrow donor to a recipient for transfusion or transplant.

Hyperalimentation The intravenous administration of a highly nutritious solution.

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Ileostomy The surgical creation of an artificial opening in the abdomen through which the last segment of the small intestine discharges digestive waste material directly to the outside of the body and into a collection bag through the skin.

Immune system A system of the body that is responsible for fighting off infection and disease.

Immunity (Immune system) The body's ability to fight infection and disease.

Immunomodulator Drug that alters, suppresses, or strengthens the body’s immune system.

Immunosuppression Weakening of the immune system that causes a lowered ability to fight infection and disease.

Immunotherapy The artificial stimulation of the body's immune system to treat or fight disease. This can be done by natural remedies as well as drugs.

Infiltration The leaking of fluid or medicines into tissues, which can cause swelling.

Informed Consent The principle of informed consent means that patients have the right to be fully informed about a trial before agreeing to participate in that trial. The patient receives complete trial information, including treatment specifics, potential risks, benefits and side effects. The patient must sign an "informed consent form" before he or she is allowed to participate. If the protocol changes during the trial, the informed consent process is repeated.

Infusion Introduction of fluid or medicines (such as saline solution or chemotherapy drugs) into an artery or vein over a period of time.

Infusion pump A device that delivers measured amounts of fluids or medications into the bloodstream over a period of time.

Injection Pushing a medication into the body with the use of a syringe and needle.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Each research institution has an Institutional Review Board. The IRB, which includes non-medical and medical people, reviews all protocols for patient safety. The board also reviews the consent information given to patients who are thinking about participating in the trial, to make sure that it is written in clear, understandable language.

Intern Doctor in his or her first year of training after graduating from medical school; an intern is under the supervision of other doctors.

Intramuscular (IM) injection An injection into the muscle.

Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) Radiation treatment given during an operation that takes place inside the body.

Intravenous (IV) injectionAn injection into the vein.

Irinotecan A chemotherapy drug sometimes known as CPT-11.

Interferon A naturally produced chemical released by the body in response to viral infections. Interferon can be artificially produced and used as a form of immunotherapy.

Interleukin A naturally produced chemical released by the body.

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Kegel exercises Named for a 20th century U.S. gynecologist, these exercises consist of alternately contracting and relaxing the perineal muscles in order to gain more control over their movement. These exercises can be used to counteract urinary incontinence, decrease painful intercourse, or gain active control of the perineum.

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Large intestine The last part of the digestive tract; it is divided into cecum, colon, and rectum, and is concerned especially with the reabsorption of water, and the formation and collection of feces.

Laryngectomy The surgical removal of the larynx.

Lesion A lump or abscess that may be caused by injury or disease, such as cancer.

Leukemia Cancer of the blood. White blood cells may be produced in excessive amounts and are unable to work properly.

Leukocyte See White blood cell.

Leukopenia A low number of white blood cells

Local excision Act or procedure of removing a diseased part by surgical means; local excision is the removal of the diseased tissue close to the affected organ.

Low anterior resection (LAR) Surgical procedure used to remove the cancerous tissue in Colon cancer.

Lumpectomy See Mastectomy-Segmental.

Lymphangiogram A test to look at the lymph nodes.

Lymphatic system A network that includes lymph nodes, lymph, and lymph vessels that serves as a filtering system for the blood.

Lymphedema Swelling either from obstructed cancerous lymph nodes or from surgically removed lymph nodes.

Lymph nodes Hundreds of small oval bean-like bodies that contain lymph. Lymph nodes act as our first line of defense against infections and cancer.

Lymphocytes White blood cells that kill viruses and defend against the invasion of foreign material.

Lymphoma A cancer of the lymphatic system. Doctors differentiate the different lymphomas by the type of cell that is involved in the makeup of the tumour. Treatments depend on the type of cell that is seen.

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Malignant tumour A tumour made up of cancer cells of the type that can spread to other parts of the body.

Mammogram (Mammography) A low-dose x-ray picture of the breasts to determine whether abnormal growths or cysts are present.

Mastectomy The surgical removal of the breast.

Mastectomy - Segmental (lumpectomy) Removal of the lump and a small amount of surrounding breast tissue.

Mastectomy - Simple (modified mastectomy) Removal of the entire breast.

Mastectomy - Radical Removal of the entire breast along with underlying muscle and lymph nodes of the armpit.

Medical oncologist Medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer.

Melanoma A cancer of the pigment-forming cells of the skin or the retina of the eye.

Metastasis Spread of a disease from the part of the body where it started to another part of the body, for example, colon cancer that spreads to the bone. .

Metastasize To pass into or invade by metastasis. (see above).

Methotrexate a chemotherapy drug used to treat cancer.

Monoclonal antibodies Proteins that stick to the surface of cells and can mark them for killing by the body’s immune system. Artificially manufactured antibodies specifically designed to find targets on cancer cells for diagnostic or treatment purposes.

MRI magnetic resonance imaging – specialized way to look at the organs of the body using magnetic energy and a computer.

MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) A sophisticated test that provides in-depth images of organs and structures in the body.

Mucosa (Mucous membranes) The lining of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.

Mucositis Inflammation of the lining of the mouth or gastrointestinal tract.

Myelogram An x-ray procedure by which a dye is injected into the spinal column to show any pathology of the spinal cord.

Myeloma A malignant tumour of the bone marrow associated with the production of abnormal proteins.

Myelosuppression A decrease in the production of red blood cells, platelets, and some white blood cells by the bone marrow.

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National Cancer Institute (NCI) NCI is a US federal agency that oversees the nation’s cancer research programs. Many clinical trials are funded by and/or conducted with NCI. There are also NCI Cancer Centers around the United States; these are clinical and research facilities that meet NCI criteria and standards for cancer research.

Nausea A symptom resulting from the inclination to vomit.

NED No evidence of disease.

Neoplasm A new growth of tissue or cells; a tumour that is generally malignant.

Neutropenia Presence of abnormally low numbers of white blood cells in the circulating blood.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma A cancer of the lymphatic system. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is related to Hodgkin's disease but is made up of different cell types. See Lymphoma.

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OCN (Oncology certified nurse) A registered nurse who has met the requirements and successfully completed a certification examination in oncology.

Oncologist A medical doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Oncology The study and treatment of cancer. Doctors who specialize in oncology are called oncologists.

Oncology clinical nurse specialist A registered nurse with a master's degree who specializes in the education and treatment of cancer patients.

Oncology Team These teams are different for every patient. They normally consist of caregivers, family, doctors, nurses, social workers and other concerned people. The more support that the patient has, the better.

Ostomy Artificial stoma, or opening, from the urinary or digestive system to the skin.

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Palliative treatment Treatment that works to reduce or remove the symptoms of a disease without curing the underlying disease.

Pap (Papanicolaou) smear A test to detect cancer of the cervix.

Paracentesis Removing fluid from the abdomen using local anesthesia and needle and syringe.

Parametrium Area around the uterus or womb in women.

Partial response A result of cancer treatment that was not able to completely rid the body of the cancer, but did result in either stopping the growth of tumour(s) or caused shrinkage in the tumour(s).

Pathological fracture A break in a bone usually caused by cancer or some disease condition.

Pathology The study of disease by the examination of tissues and body fluids under the microscope. A doctor who specializes in pathology is called a pathologist.

Pelvic exenteration Surgical removal of all of the organs of the pelvis; performed to treat cancers of the rectum or other pelvic organs.

Pelvis Area of the body surrounded by the hips; includes the bladder, prostate, uterus, and other organs.

Penile implant A flexible and/or inflatable device surgically placed along the length of the penis in order to provide penile rigidity; used for men who have problems either getting or maintaining an erection, to enable them to have sexual intercourse.

Penile injection Process in which medication is injected into the penis to allow the production and maintenance of an erection; used for men who have problems either getting or maintaining an erection, to enable them to have sexual intercourse.

Petechiae Tiny areas of bleeding under the skin, usually caused by a low platelet count.

PET scan Positron emission tomography – specialized way to look at the organs of the body according to how fast they use sugar; can be used to detect cancerous cells.

Phases for cancer trials A trial’s phase defines the type of testing occurring at a specific point. Clinical trials for anti-cancer drugs are conducted in three phases:

• Phase 1 trials test dosage levels and the best way to apply the treatment (pills or injections; daily, hourly, weekly or continuously); side effects are monitored and used to determine the appropriate dosage levels for Phase 2 testing
• Phase 2 trials examine the effectiveness against selected types of cancers
• Phase 3 trials systematically compare the outcomes — the effectiveness and side effects — of the best available standard treatment and the experimental treatment(s).

The phase of the trial is not necessarily related to the stage of the cancer being studied. There are Phase 1 trials for all stages of cancer.

Phlebitis A painful inflammation of the veins.

Photosensitivity Extreme sensitivity to the sun, leaving the patient prone to sunburns. This can be a side effect of some cancer drugs and radiation.

Placebo Compound with no real effect on the body (usually sugar) that is identical in appearance to the drug that is undergoing experimental research.

Platelet (Plt) Cells in the blood that are responsible for clotting.

Platelet count The number of platelets in a blood sample.

Polyp Mass of tissue that bulges or projects outward or upward from the surface into a body cavity, such as a nasal or rectal polyp. Polyps may be benign or malignant. .

Polypectomy Surgical removal of a polyp.

Port Small, semipermanent device that allows for the introduction of drugs (like chemotherapy) into a patient’s artery or vein without the need for repeated needle sticks.

Port - Implanted A catheter connected to a quarter-sized disc that is surgically placed just below the skin in the chest or abdomen. The tube is inserted into a large vein or artery directly into the bloodstream. Fluids, drugs, or blood products can be infused, and blood can be drawn through a needle that is stuck into the disc. Examples: Port-o-cath, Infusaport, Lifeport.

Port - Peritoneal A catheter connected to a quarter-sized disc that is surgically placed in the abdomen. The catheter is inserted to deliver chemotherapy to the peritoneum (abdominal cavity).

Primary tumour The original cancer site. For example, colon cancer that has spread to the bone is still called colon cancer.

Progesterone One of the female hormones produced by the ovaries.

Progesterone-receptor assay A test that determines if breast cancer is stimulated by the hormone progesterone.

Prognosis The projected outcome of a disease; the life expectancy.

PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) A marker used to determine prostate disease; it may be benign or malignant.

Prosthesis Artificial replacement of a missing body part.

Protocol A treatment plan.

Protocols (Clinical Trial Protocol) A protocol is a blueprint for the trial, which describes how the trial will proceed, what types of patients will be eligible for the trial, the number of patients required, the type of care they will receive and so on. All protocols are reviewed by the sponsoring group (for example, the NCI or FDA) and the IRB (Institutional Review Board) of the institution where the research is being conducted to ensure patients are fully informed and that risks are minimized.

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Radiation Frequency Ablation (RFA) causes the cellular destruction of soft tissue by heating them. Heat is generated through agitation caused by alternating electrical current (radiofrequency energy) moving through tissue. The heat results in local cells coagulation: coagulated cells die and cannot continue to grow. The patient undergoing radiofrequency ablation receives IV sedation and grounding pads are placed on the legs. A thin needle is inserted into the tumour and electrical current is passed through the tip of the needle which becomes very hot and destroys the tumour. The procedure lasts 10 - 15 minutes and the patient goes home on the same day.The majority of patients do not experience side effects and resume normal activity the following day.

Radiation oncologist Doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer using radiation.

Radiation therapist Person who assists the radiation oncologist and who usually delivers the daily radiation treatments.

Radiation therapy Use of radiation to eliminate or alleviate symptoms associated with tumours by shrinking or eliminating the tumours.

Radiologist A doctor who specializes in the use of x-rays to diagnose and treat disease.

Randomize To arrange by chance.

Rectum The last part of the large intestine leading to the anus (external opening of the digestive system).

Recurrence The reappearance of a disease after a period of remission.

Red blood cells (Erythrocytes) Cells in the blood that deliver oxygen to tissues and take carbon dioxide from them.

Red blood count (RBC) The number of red blood cells seen in a blood sample.

Regression The shrinkage of cancer growth.

Relapse The reappearance of a disease after its apparent cessation.

Remission In oncology, a period of time during which there is an apparent absence of cancer in the body. Complete or partial disappearance of the signs and symptoms of disease.

Resident Doctor who has completed his or her first year of training (internship) after graduating medical school, but who is still in the process of his or her general training; residents are supervised by other doctors.

Risk factor Anything that increases a person's chances of developing cancer, for example, smoking and lung cancer.

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Sarcoma A malignant tumour of muscles or connective tissue such as bone and cartilage.

Self Examination Both the testes and breasts can be self examined for abnormal lumps. Ask your doctor for help should you find anything abnormal or out of the ordinary.

Sexual dysfunction Abnormal functioning of the sexual organs, or difficulty engaging in sexual activity.

Shingles See Herpes zoster.

Side effects Secondary effects of drugs used for disease treatment.

Sigmoidoscope A flexible fibre optic device which allows the inside of the sigmoid colon to be inspected without the need for surgery. It is inserted into the anus.

Sigmoidoscopy Inspection, through a fiberoptic scope, of the inside of the sigmoid colon which is the part of the large intestine that empties into the rectum.

Staging Determination of extent of the cancer in the body.

Steroids A type of hormone.

Stoma Artificial opening between a body cavity or canal (such as the colon) and the skin.

Stomatitis Inflammation, redness or sores of the lining inside the lips and mouth, also called canker sores; may also refer to redness or irritation around the stoma of an ostomy site.

Stool Discharge of the bowels, the digestive waste matter discharged at one movement of the bowels; also called feces.

Subcutaneous injection An injection into the fatty tissue under the skin.

Support network Friends, family, coworkers, and others who provide care during a person’s lifetime, but particularly when illness strikes.

Survivor An individual is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis, through the balance of his or her life. Family members, friends, and caregivers are also impacted by the survivorship experience and are therefore included in this definition.

Syngeneic The infusion of bone marrow from one identical twin into another.

Systemic disease A disease that affects the entire body instead of a specific organ.

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Taste alteration A temporary change in taste perception.

Testicular self-examination (TSE) A simple manual self-examination of the testes.

Thoracentesis (Pleural tap) A procedure to remove fluids from the area between the two layers (pleura) covering the lung.

Thrombocytopenia An abnormally low number of platelets (thrombocytes). If the platelet count is too low, bleeding could occur.

TNM (Tumour Node Metastasis) classification System to evaluate cancer based on the extent of tumour, lymph node involvement, and metastasis observed; the number following each letter represents the extent to which each area is involved.

Total parenteral Nutrition for the body that is put directly into the veins, bypassing the digestive system.

Tracheostomy A surgical opening through the trachea (windpipe) in the neck to provide an artifical airway.