A chalky substance that you drink before an x-ray to help show up any problems with the digestive tract.

Non-cancerous

Biological therapy targets the cancer cells, turning on or off the cell signals that help them to hide from the immune system.

Removal of tissue to some obtain cells from the area which appears abnormal. The sample will be looked at under a microscope to check the sample for any cancer cells.  

The results of a blood test which measure the levels of certain components of the blood to ensure they are within the normal range. For example, haemoglobin (red blood cells & oxygen carrier), white cells (immune system) & platelets (prevent bleeding)

A healthcare professional will take a blood sample from you using a needle and sent to the laboratory for analysing a blood sample to measure or count different substances in the blood.

A radiology procedure that uses a small amount of radioactive material to examine the bones and identify any abnormalities.

Medication used to treat or prevent bone damage caused by cancer.  They are also used in other conditions such as hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the blood) and osteoporosis.

Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy where a sealed radiation source is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment.

A procedure that allows a doctor to examine i the inside of the lungs and airways using a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope.

A disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body.

Carcinoma is cancer that forms in epithelial tissue.  Epithelial tissues lines most of your organs, the internal passageway in your body and your skin.

The Cancer Care Navigators role provides patients and their families who are on these pathways a point of contact for support and work closely with the CNS teams.

An online resource that lists cancer support services in your area.  You can search for specific cancer sites or the area near to where you live to find out what is available for you to attend.

A conversation between you and your health professional at your GP practice about your cancer experience, treatment and recovery that happens about 18 months after diagnosis.  An opportunity to talk about any concerns that you have after your diagnosis of cancer.

The Cancer Quality of Life Survey aims to measure quality of life for people living with and beyond cancer to influence health policy, professional practice and patient empowerment. The results of all the surveys are summarised to find areas of concern or actions.

A cannula is a tube that can be inserted into the vein using a fine needle, often for the delivery or removal of fluid for the gathering of samples.  Chemotherapy can be given via a cannula.

A catheter is a thin tube usually made of soft, flexible plastic.  It is a medical device used to transfer liquids into or out of the body e.g urine

Chemotherapy is perhaps the best known systemic anti-cancer therapy. It works by stopping the growth of cancer cells either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. It can be given as one drug, or a combination of several chemotherapy drugs. It can also be given alongside radiotherapy to make it more effective. Chemotherapy acts on fast-dividing cells like cancer but also can affect normal cells hence can cause some side-effects.

A free advice service that advises people with cancer, their families and carers so that can access benefits and other kinds of financial support they might be entitled to.

The CNS is a nurse with in-depth knowledge of your disease type and the various treatments. They will often have additional training and qualifications relevant to your cancer type.

Research studies that test a medical, surgical, or behavioural intervention in people.  These trials are the primary way that researchers determine if a new form of treatment or prevention, such as a new drug is safe and effective in people.

A procedure to examine the inside of the large and small bowel (colon) to help identify a cause for bowel symptoms.  A long flexible tube with a camera and light on the end is inserted into the rectum (bottom) and passed through the bowel.  Biopsies can also be taken during the procedure if required.

An area within the large intestine including the colon, rectum and anus.

An opening into the colon from the outside of the body.  A colostomy provides a new path for waste material to leave the body after part of the colon has been removed.

A holistic treatment used alongside standard medical treatments to support and enhance a person’s quality of life and wellbeing, including therapies like massage, meditation/mindfulness, reiki and reflexology.

Consent in healthcare is a patient's permission to receive medical treatment, tests of examinations, to ensure the patient understands the information they have been given, feel confident in their decisions and are able to make informed decisions voluntarily without pressure. Consent can be withdrawn at any times if the patient wishes.

A CT scan takes multiple x-rays of the body to create a three-dimensional image. A small needle will be inserted usually into your hand or arm to administer some contrast which enables certain areas of the body to be seen in greater detail. You lie on a couch and will move slowly through the scanner.

Being able to cure a disease e.g cancer with treatments like surgery or SACT.

A cancer that is determined to be at the metastatic stage at the time of diagnosis, but a primary tumour cannot be identified.

A substance/treatment that is toxic and kills cells, including cancer cells.

The process of identifying a disease, condition or injury from its signs, symptoms and other diagnostic tests/examinations.

A test used to help to clarify what disease pr condition a person has based on their signs and symptoms, tests include things like chest x-ray, CT scan and endoscopy.

Having 3 or more loose of liquid stools (poo’s) in a day or more frequently than is normal for you.  Diarrhoea can be acute, persistent or chronic

A specialist healthcare professional who assesses, diagnoses and treats nutritional and dietary problems.

Cancer that is inactive but could over time become active.

End of life care is not just the practical and technical delivery of care provided to the individual who is dying but also refers to the support and information available both to them and the people who are important to them, for example, bereavement support.

A layer of tissue that lines the uterus

A medical procedure to examine the inside of the body without major surgery.  A long, flexible tube with a camera and light on the end is inserted into the body.  Gastroscopy (via the mouth to the stomach), Colonoscopy (via the anus to the large bowel) and bronchoscopy (via nose to the lungs).

An area of expertise that includes your ears, nose and throat.

An examination performed whilst the patient is under general anaesthetic (whilst you are asleep)

An overwhelming feeling of extreme tiredness that does not improve with just sleep.  It makes it difficult to get up in the morning and make it through the day.

A fine needle is passed into the lump, to withdraw some cells (aspirate) into the syringe to be looked at under a microscope to check for abnormal cells. An ultrasound can be used to help guide the needle into the area.

A blood test to measure the number and types of cells in your body looking for signs of anaemia or infection for example.

A controlled unconsciousness induced by medication to keep a patient asleep for a procedure or surgery.

The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.  How genes and traits are passed down from one generation to the next.

Cancers can be described as a grade; this is determined by how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope.  The grade can also determine how slow growing or aggressive a cancer might be behaving.

A speciality that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the female reproductive system.

The study and treatment of the blood. Combines two fields of medicine.  The study of blood and the study and treatment of cancer in the blood.

Cancer that forms in certain areas of the head and neck including the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips and mouth.

Results of cells from a biopsy or sample that are looked at with a microscope to confirm a diagnosis.

Histopathologists look at biopsies or samples to make a tissue diagnosis.

The diagnosis and study of diseases of the tissues and involves examining tissues and cells under a microscope.

A discussion that gives you the chance to think about your concerns and discuss possible solutions. Covering physical, emotional, practical, financial, spiritual needs, allowing you and your healthcare team to work together to make an ongoing care plan to meet your needs.

A cancer treatment that uses synthetic hormones or surgery to block or lower the level of hormones in the body.

The immune system is the body’s tool for preventing or limiting infection.

Immunotherapy drugs work by using the immune system which is the body’s natural anti-cancer system to produce anti-cancer effects, usually by stimulating the immune cells in such a way that they can recognise and hinder or kill the cancer cells.

Using medical imaging to guide minimally invasive surgical procedures like image guided biopsies that can diagnose and be used to treat many kinds of conditions. These are performed by an interventional radiologist.

An injection given using a needle directly into a muscle.

Liquid forms of medication/treatment often given through a cannula into a vein.

A surgical procedure that involves making an incision into the abdominal cavity to look at the organs and pelvis.  It can be used to aid diagnosis of any problems.

Health problems that can occur months or years after cancer treatment has ended.

The machine used to give radiotherapy which uses electricity to create the radiotherapy beams.

A test to obtain a diagnosis or more information by using a needle to take biopsy from the liver.

A medical procedure sometimes used to as a diagnostic test.  A needle is inserted into the lower back, between the bones in your spine into the spinal canal to obtain some fluid for analysis.

A chronic condition that occurs when lymph fluid builds up in the body’s tissues, causing swelling.

Small bean-shaped immune system organs that filter lymphatic fluid and help the body fight.

Malignant/cancerous cells grow in an uncontrolled way and can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph system.

Mammogram

An x-ray of the breast that uses low doses of radiation to detect breast cancer or other breast diseases.

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When a cancer has spread from one part of the body to another.  Cancer that has spread is called metastatic.

A team of healthcare professions with expertise in a specific cancer site that discuss the diagnosis and care of a patient, including surgeons, CNS’s, radiologist, histopathologist, and oncologist.

A cancer diagnosis where the primary source of the cancer is unknown.

An MRI scan uses strong magnetism to build up a detailed picture of the body. The scanner itself is made up of a powerful magnet. You will be required to complete a safety questionnaire prior to the scan to ensure it is safe for you to undergo the test.

This can happen when cancer grows and presses on the spinal cord and can stops the nerves from working properly and cause irreversible symptoms with bladder and bowels, mobility, pain if not dealt with quickly.

When someone is feeling sick

A thin tube passed up the nose and down into the stomach, used for shorter periods of time to provide medication of liquid nutrition.  

Treatment given as a first step to shrink a tumour before the main treatment which is usually surgery, is given. EG chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy.

A medical assessment that checks the nervous system for any issues.  It included a review of medical history, and a variety of tests that assess the nervous systems motor and sensory skills, balance, coordination, reflexes and mental status

Being starved of food or drink in preparation for a procedure.

Not cancer.  Non-malignant tumours may grow larger but do not spread to other parts of the body.  Also called benign.

Routine measurements of a patient's vital signs to assess their health and track recovery they include blood pressure, temperature, pulse, oxygen levels and respiration rate.

An area of healthcare that helps people of all ages who have physical, sensory, or cognitive problems.  OT can help people regain independence by assessing and providing equipment and aids to do things.

A build-up of fluid which causes swelling in the body.

The study of cancer.

A doctor who treats cancer and provides medical care for a person diagnosed with cancer.  They may also be called a cancer specialist.

An appointment at a hospital which can be face to face or via the telephone to a consultant, nurse or other healthcare professional.

An area in the hospital where appointments are given to meet doctors or other members of the hospital teams.

An approach that aims to improve the quality of life for patients and families facing life threatening cancers.

A disease that is not curable.

Cancer treatment that helps to relieve the symptoms and reduce the suffering caused by cancer or other life-threatening diseases.  Palliative treatment may help a person feel more comfortable, but it does not treat or cure the disease.

For certain cancers you will not have formal follow up and would only come back up to the cancer centre if there are signs that you have evidence of the cancer coming back - called Patients Initiated Follow Up (PIFU).

A combination of a CT scan, which takes a series of x-rays to build up a three-dimensional picture, and positron emission tomography (PET).  It uses low-dose radiation to measure the activity of cells in different parts of the body giving more detailed information.

An intravenous access line that is inserted under aseptic conditions. This line usually remains in place for the duration of treatment.

Usually for radiotherapy treatment, you need to attend the department so that they can mark out exactly where and how you need to lie for the treatment to be given in the correct spot.  Sometimes masks or other things need to be made depending on what area of the body you are having treatment.

A procedure whereby a needle is inserted into the pleural space to obtain a sample of fluid to be analyses under the microscope.

A chat to a nurse about what your treatment will involve and what to expect and an opportunity to ask questions. Your individual documentation is completed and checked to ensure all information is correct.  You may also have blood tests at the same time.

A chat with the pre op nurse prior to surgery/operation.  A list of questions will be asked to obtain relevant information like past medical history, including a list of your medications and to check observations and take bloods ready for your planned surgery.

Prehabilitation enables people with cancer to prepare for treatment by promoting healthy behaviours and prescribing exercise, nutrition and psychological interventions where appropriate to a patient’s needs.   It should be started as early in the patient pathway as is possible, ideally soon after diagnosis, and as well in advance of treatment as possible for maximum benefit.

The organ or area of the body where cancer first appears.

An estimate of how well treatment is working and how likely it is that the cancer will return.

When the cancer is still growing or has continued to spread

A blood test used primarily to screen for prostate cancer.  PSA is a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate gland.

This is a common term used to refer to a person’s overall sense of wellbeing and satisfaction with life.  While discussing a diagnosis or the treatment options, most doctors discuss how the cancer treatment will affect one’s daily functions, or their ‘quality of life’.

Radical treatment aims to completely cure the disease or control the growth of a tumour. Treatment with curative intent.

Radiotherapy uses precise, carefully measured doses of high energy x-rays to treat cancer. Cancer cells are more sensitive to radiation than normal cells. The x-rays either destroy the cancer cells or stop them from growing. Radiation also damages normal cells in or around the area being treated causing side effects, but these will usually recover and heal after treatment. The aim of treatment is to destroy the cancer cells while avoiding and protecting the healthy cells as much as possible.

Doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating injuries and disease using medical imaging like x-rays, CT scans, MRI scans.

An area of medicine that uses imaging technology to diagnose and treat disease.  It can be diagnostic or offer interventional radiology.

An examination whereby the doctor examines the rectum using a lubricated finger to assess for any abnormality.

When cancer has come back from where it first started.

When cancer is being controlled by the treatment.

This is when patients undergoing cancer treatment are monitored in their own homes.  The oncology remote patient monitoring service, sometimes referred to as a cancer virtual ward, monitors and provides support at home to patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy.  The patient will sometimes have an online portal or app to use which links into the hospital.

A group of drugs used in the treatment of cancer by travelling through the body and act on cancer cells, these treatments work on cancer cells anywhere blood is flowing. They can shrink cancer, reduce the chance of cancer coming back or to help boost the effectiveness of radiotherapy. There are several different types including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy.

Cancer screening tests are used to detect cancer early or find changes in cells that could become cancerous if not treated.  These tests are only available for some types of cancer like colorectal, breast and some gynaecological cancers.

When cancer has spread to another area from the primary site.

Unpleasant symptoms caused by the cancer or any treatments or medications being taken.

A cervical screening test is a procedure that checks the health of the cervix and helps prevent/detect cervical cancer.

Smoking cessation refers to activities that aim to support people who smoke to stop smoking.  Stopping smoking can have huge benefits in how you tolerate treatment for your cancer.

The stage of cancer describes how far the cancer has spread and can be described using a numbered system Stage 0- stage 4 (higher numbers indicate that cancer has spread further).

A medication that can be used as part of your cancer treatment but also for side effects and symptoms you may have, they can help to reduce inflammation, improve appetite, help with nausea, prevent allergic reactions.

A stoma is a small opening in the abdomen that is used to remove body waste (faeces (poo) and urine) into a collection bag.

An injection given into the layer of fat just under the skin using a fine needle.

Provide somewhere to go to talk through your specific cancer related problems with other people going through either the same or similar things.  This is also very helpful for your loved ones to attend with you.

Being involved in managing your own health.  Understanding what is important to you, knowing what you can do about it, finding out what other help is available.  This will help you to feel more in control of what is happening around you.

An operation under a general or local anaesthetic, whereby a surgeon can remove part of or all of the cancer, to repair tissue or to take samples to help diagnose cancer types.

Scans done at set intervals to make sure the treatment has been effective or that there is no evidence of your cancer returning. This may be a CT scan or MRI for example.  The results of these will be discussed with you as part of your planned follow up appointments.

Living well after cancer treatment focusing on health and wellbeing.

An abnormal mass, lump or swelling.  A tumour that is not cancerous is benign, while a cancerous tumour is malignant.

Substances that can be found in blood, urine, stools, tumour or other bodily fluids that can indicate the presence of cancer or certain benign conditions.  

An Ultrasound scan uses high frequency sound waves to create an image of the inside of the body. The ultrasound machine uses a small probe that is placed on the skin, there are also smaller probes that can be used internally. A small amount of gel will be applied to the skin over the area the probe will be placed.

Cancer that starts in the female reproductive system

Weight loss/gain can be a concern during a cancer diagnosis and during any treatment.  Your weight will be monitored and appropriate actions taken to help you to maintain a healthy weight during treatment and recovery which may include eating a special diet.

An invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs.  A type of photograph taken of a body part for investigations of symptoms.

Remember that you are the most important person in your cancer journey and that the staff are there to care and support you and your family through the difficult time ahead.  Cancer can bring about many thoughts and feelings, and it is important that you are able to talk to people about this.  Your cancer support centre is also available to signpost you to other services and provide information and support that you might need.

Sleep and rest is very important during your treatment.  It is important to speak to your CNS or doctor if this is a problem.