Glossary

A

Anus:

connected to the rectum; any food that cannot be used by the body passes through the anus in the form of a bowel movement

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B

Biopsy:

a test in which cells or a piece of tissue is removed and examined by a pathologist

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C

CT scan:

a test that takes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body from different angles; also called computed tomography scan

Cancer risk factors:

things that may increase the chance of getting cancer. These risk factors may change for each type of cancer. Some risk factors can be controlled, such as drinking alcohol, and some cannot, such as a family history of cancer

Cancer survivorship:

how someone lives through a cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as beyond treatment

Chemotherapy:

medicine that helps kill cancer cells

Clinical trial:

a study used to find out more about how new treatments work, such as how safe they are and for which types of people they may work best. The results of clinical trials help doctors learn how to prevent, detect, and treat cancer

Colon:

the first few feet of the large intestine

Colonoscopy:

a test used to screen for colorectal cancer. A long tube with a light and camera attached is used to look inside the colon and rectum. If polyps are found, they can often be removed right away. If abnormal tissue is found, the doctor can take a sample and test it for cancer

Colostomy bag:

a bag that is attached to the skin of the stomach. The bag collects waste after a person has had a colostomy, a procedure in which a hole is made in the outside of the body. One end of the intestine is connected to the hole, and the other end of the intestine is closed off

Complementary medicine:

treatments used along with a prescribed treatment to help the person with cancer feel better. They may include meditation to reduce stress, acupuncture to lessen pain, or herbal tea to reduce nausea

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D

Digestive system:

a system of organs that take in food, process it so the body can use it for energy, and get rid of the food and fluid it cannot use as a bowel movement

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F

Fecal occult blood test:

a test used to find blood in the stool that can be caused by polyps, cancer, or hemorrhoids

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G

Gastroenterologist:

a doctor who treats diseases of the digestive system

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H

Hormone therapy:

treatment that prevents the body's hormones from helping cancer cells to grow

Hospice:

A type of palliative care that is given when the person with cancer is near the end of his or her life

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L

Lymph nodes:

a mass of tissue that is part of the system that helps the body fight infections and other diseases

Large intestine:

the last place where food is digested; it is made up of the colon and the rectum

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M

MRI:

a test that uses radio waves and a powerful magnet to show a detailed picture of areas the inside the body; also called magnetic resonance imaging

Medical oncologist:

a doctor who diagnoses and treats cancer and is often the main healthcare provider for someone with cancer. A medical oncologist may also give supportive or palliative care and work with other healthcare providers who are caring for the person with cancer

Metastatic cancer:

cancer that has spread from one part of the body to another

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O

Oncologist:

a doctor who diagnoses and treats cancer

Oncology nurse:

a nurse who cares for people who have cancer

Oncology social worker:

a healthcare professional who helps people with cancer cope with their feelings and learn about helpful resources, such as support groups, home care, and financial aid

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P

Palliative care:

care given to someone with cancer to help comfort him or her. It is often given by a specialist on the care team. It can help treat the symptoms and side effects of the cancer and its treatment. It can also give emotional, spiritual, and social support

Pathologist:

a doctor who examines tissue taken from the body during a biopsy. He or she will also write a report, called a pathology report, that can help tell the stage of the tumor

Pathology report:

the report written by a pathologist that tells the results of the biopsy and helps the doctor tell the stage of the tumor

PET scan:

a test in which a small amount of radioactive sugar is injected into a vein. A machine then takes detailed pictures of areas inside the body; also called positron emission tomography scan

Polyp:

a growth on the inside wall of the colon or rectum

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R

Radiation oncologist:

a doctor who uses radiation to treat cancer

Radiation therapy:

treatment in which high-energy rays are used to help kill cancer cells

Rectum:

the last few inches of the large intestine; it is connected to the anus

Registered dietitian:

a healthcare provider who helps people improve or maintain a healthy diet and nutrition

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S

Sigmoidoscopy:

a test in which a thin, flexible lighted tube goes inside the rectum. It is used to check the lower half of the colon. Any polyps found are removed

Small intestine:

connects the stomach to the large intestine, helps digest food, and helps the body use the food as energy

Staging:

used to learn the extent of a person's cancer, such as whether it has spread to other parts of the body. The stage of the tumor will help a healthcare provider make a treatment plan

Stomach:

the organ where food is first digested after it has been eaten

Surgeon:

a doctor who operates to remove or repair a part of the body that has been affected by cancer

Survivorship plan:

a plan that can help people with cancer and their families prepare for situations they may face now or in the future. This plan might include the person's medical history, the treatment he or she is getting or has received, when office visits should be scheduled, and even a healthy-lifestyle journal

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U

Ultrasound:

a test that uses high-energy sound waves to show a picture of a person's organs or tissues

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