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Advanced Directive:
A legal document that states the treatment or care a person wishes to receive or not receive if he or she becomes unable to make medical decisions (for example, due to being unconscious or in a coma). Some types of advance directives are living wills and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders.
Age-Specific Mortality Rate:
The age-specific mortality rate is calculated by dividing the
number of deaths for a specific age group by the population
for that specific age group. For example, deaths for age group
60 to 64 divided by the population for age 60 to 64.
Aggressive:
A quickly growing cancer.
American College of Surgeons (ACoS) Approved Programs:
Established in 1930, the Approvals Program of the Commission on Cancer
surveys hospitals, treatment centers, and other facilities
according to standards set by the Committee on Approvals,
which recommends approval awards based on these surveys. The
Approvals Program has experienced steady growth since its
inception.
ACoS Categories of Approvals:
Programs are assigned a category of approval that describes the services
available at the facility. Categories include:
Anaplastic:
A term used to describe cancer cells that divide rapidly and have little or no resemblance to normal cells.
Angiography:
Radiography (X-rays) of vessels after the injection of radiopaque
material.
American College of Radiology (ACR) Accreditation:
The ACR created a nationwide accreditation program in 1987
to help ensure that women receive high quality mammography.
In 1995, the College had accredited more than 10,000 mammography
facilities across the country. Under the program, ACR evaluates
the film, equipment and the personnel who take mammograms.
Under the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) of 1992,
once a facility is accredited it must then be approved for
certification by the Food and Drug Administration.
Basal Cell Carcinoma:
The most common form of skin cancer which, when detected and
treated early, will usually result in a complete cure.
Baseline:
An initial measurement taken at an early time point to represent a beginning condition that is used as a point of comparison over time to look for changes. For example, the size of a tumor will be measured before treatment (baseline) and then afterwards to see if the treatment had an effect.
Benign:
Not cancerous. Benign tumors may grow larger but do not spread to other parts of the body.
Best Practice:
Medical treatment that experts agree is appropriate, accepted and widely used. Health care providers are obligated to provide patients with the best practice. May also be called standard therapy or standard of care.
Bilateral:
Affecting both the right and left sides of the body.
Biopsy:
The removal of cells or tissues for examination by a pathologist. The pathologist may study the tissue under a microscope or perform other tests on the cells or tissue. There are many different types of biopsy procedures. The most common types include: (1) incisional biopsy, in which only a sample of tissue is removed; (2) excisional biopsy, in which an entire lump or suspicious area is removed; and (3) needle biopsy, in which a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle. When a wide needle is used, the procedure is called a core biopsy. When a thin needle is used, the procedure is called a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
Board Certification:
The intent of the certification of physicians is to provide
assurance to the public that a physician specialist certified
by a Medical Specialty Board has successfully completed an
approved educational program and evaluation process which
includes an examination designed to assess the knowledge,
skills, and experience required to provide quality patient
care in that specialty.
Body Mass Index:
A tool for indicating weight status; allows people to compare
their own weight status to the general population. For adults over
20 years old, BMI falls into one of these categories:
| BMI Weight Status Below 18.5 = Underweight 18.5 - 24.9 = Normal 25.0 - 29.9 = Overweight 30.0 and Above = Obese |
Formula for calculating body mass index (BMI):
English Formula
Metric Formula
Bone Marrow Transplant:
Marrow is a substance found in the cavities of the body's
bones. It resembles blood and contains stem cells, which produce
red cells, white cells and other blood components. Marrow
transplants are a treatment for patients with anemias, lymphomas
and a number of other life-threatening blood diseases.
BRCA1:
A gene on chromosome 17 that normally helps to suppress cell growth. A person who inherits a mutated (changed) BRCA1 gene has a higher risk of getting breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer.
BRCA2:
A gene on chromosome 13 that normally helps to suppress cell growth. A person who inherits a mutated (changed) BRCA2 gene has a higher risk of getting breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer.
Built Environment:
The surroundings or conditions in which people live or operate.
Cancer:
A class of more than 100 diseases, all of which are characterized
by malignant uncontrolled cell growth that, left untreated,
will prove fatal. All cancers have the capacity to metastasize,
or form secondary tumors at other sites. See Carcinoma.
Cancer Cluster:
The occurrence of a greater than expected number of cancer
cases within a geographic area, a group of people or a specific time period.
Cancer Committee:
The multi-disciplinary cancer committee must be designated
as a standing committee in the bylaws of the participating
institution.
Cancer Conference:
Physicians, nurses, cancer registrars and others involved
in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer participate
in case-oriented meetings. These interdisciplinary conferences
are held weekly, twice monthly or monthly, depending on the
category of approval and the number of new cases at each institution.
All major cancer sites that are seen at the institution are
discussed during the year.
Cancer Liaison Physician:
Represents a single facility involved in cancer control and
the management of patients with cancer; their role as the
point person at each institution includes information gathering
and exchange and acting as a link to the institution's administration,
medical and allied health staff, cancer program leadership,
as well as patients and their families.
Cancer Patient Evaluation:
Cancer programs are required to conduct two patient care evaluation
studies each year. The evaluation of care must include oversight
and action by the cancer committee into the study design,
quality of data collection, review of the analysis, summary
of the findings, identification of problems and solutions,
initiation of corrective action, and follow-through to determine
that corrective actions resulted in the desired change.
Cancer Program Components:
An approved cancer program has four components: the cancer
committee, cancer conferences, patient care evaluation, and
the cancer registry.
Cancer Registrar or Tumor Registrar:
Person who abstracts and records the data on cancer cases;
oftentimes, that person is also responsible for assisting
in planning the cancer conferences and the cancer committee
meetings, and providing reports.
Cancer Registry:
Information about all malignancies that are diagnosed or treated
in the institution is entered into the cancer registry database.
This data allows the cancer committee to monitor patient follow-up
and treatment results. The registry data is also valuable
for planning resource allocations.
Carcinogenesis:
The production of cancer.
Carcinoma:
A malignant tumor of epithelial origin; refer to cancer.
Carcinoma In-Situ:
An early stage in development, when the cancer is still confined
to one layer of tissue. Cancers diagnosed at this stage are
highly curable.
Case-Control Study:
A study that compares two groups of people: those with the disease or condition under study (cases) and a very similar group of people who do not have the disease or condition (controls). Researchers study the medical and lifestyle histories of the people in each group to learn what factors may be associated with the disease or condition. For example, one group may have been exposed to a particular substance that the other was not. Also called a retrospective study.
Chemotherapy:
The treatment of diseases such as cancer by drug therapy.
Childhood Cancer Protocols:
Clinical Trial:
A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. Also called a clinical study.
Cobalt Machines:
Radiation treatments can be administered externally or internally,
depending on the type and extent of the tumor. External radiation
treatment are administered by machines that deliver high-energy
radiation. The Cobalt-60 machine was the first megavoltage
machine, and is still used in institutions throughout the
world.
Colonoscopy:
A procedure which uses a lighted, tubular instrument with a viewing device called a colonoscope to examine the colon.
Colposcopy:
Visual examination of the tissues of the cervix and vagina
by inserting a magnifying instrument called a colposcope.
Computed Tomography (CT) or Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT):
The gathering of anatomical information from a cross-sectional
plane of the body, presented as an image generated by a computer
synthesis of x-ray transmission data obtained from many different
directions on the given plane.
Confidence Interval:
A confidence interval is a range around a measurement (in this case, rate) that shows its precision. Ninety five
percent confidence intervals are given for the age-adjusted mortality rates displayed on the Texas Cancer Information
Web site. A statistical definition of the 95 percent confidence interval is that if the measurement were
conducted 100 times, 95 times the true value would be within the calculated confidence interval and five times the
true value would be either higher or lower than the range of the confidence interval. Wider confidence intervals
in relation to the rate itself indicate instability. For more information on confidence intervals, visit the source
listed below.
Source: New York State Cancer Registry, About Age Adjusted Rates, 95% Confidence Intervals and Unstable Rates
Demography:
The study of populations, especially with reference to population
size, density, fertility, mortality, growth, age distribution,
migration, and vital statistics, and the interaction of all
these with social and economic conditions.
Detection:
The discovery of a physical abnormality in a person who might
or might not show symptoms of disease. Detection can result
from self-examination or special screening and/or diagnostic
tests administered by health care professionals.
Diagnostic Mammogram:
X-ray of the breasts used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of breast cancer has been found.
Dialysis:
A process whereby wastes and excess fluid are removed from
a patient's blood.
Differentiation:
In cancer, refers to how mature, or developed, the cancer cells are in a tumor. Differentiated tumor cells resemble normal cells and tend to grow and spread at a slower rate than undifferentiated or poorly differentiated tumor cells, which lack the structure and function of normal cells and grow uncontrollably.
Digital Mammography:
A technique that uses a computer, rather than x-ray film, to record x-ray images of the breast.
Digital rectal examination (DRE):
A procedure in which a physician inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for anything not normal.
Distant:
A neoplasm that has spread to parts of the body remote from
the primary tumor either by direct extension or by discontinuous
metastasis.
DNR Order:
Do not resuscitate order. A type of advance directive in which a person states that healthcare providers should not perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (restarting the heart) if his or her heart or breathing stops. Also called do not resuscitate order.
Distant:
A neoplasm that has spread to parts of the body remote from
the primary tumor either by direct extension or by discontinuous
metastasis.
Double-Blinded Study:
A clinical trial in which neither the medical staff nor the person knows which of several possible therapies the person is receiving.
Double Contrast Barium Enema:
An examination of the colon by X-ray after administration of barium, a contrast medium. Additional X-rays are taken after the patient has expelled the barium.
Durable Power of Attorney:
DPA. A type of power of attorney. A power of attorney is a legal document that gives one person (such as a relative, lawyer, or friend) the authority to make legal, medical, or financial decisions for another person. It may go into effect right away, or when that person is no longer able to make decisions for himself or herself. A durable power of attorney remains in effect until the person who grants it dies or cancels it. It does not need to be renewed over time. Also called DPA.
Dysplasia:
The abnormal pathological development of cells, indicating
possible malignancy.
Early Detection Programs:
Programs used with diseases that have characteristics appropriate
for screening and a valid screening test; those who test positive
are referred for further evaluation by a subsequent diagnostic
test or procedure to determine whether they do have the disease.
Eligibility Criteria:
In clinical trials, requirements that must be met for an individual to be included in a study. These requirements help make sure that patients in a trial are similar to each other in terms of specific factors such as age, type and stage of cancer, general health, and previous treatment. When all participants meet the same eligibility criteria, it gives researchers greater confidence that results of the study are caused by the intervention being tested and not by other factors.
Endpoint:
In clinical trials, an event or outcome that can be measured objectively to determine whether the intervention being studied is beneficial. The endpoints of a clinical trial are usually included in the study objectives. Some examples of endpoints are survival, improvements in quality of life, relief of symptoms, and disappearance of the tumor.
Enteral Feeding:
The term used to describe nourishment put directly into the
stomach or intestines by a method other than chewing or swallowing.
Generally used with patients that have trouble taking any
nourishment by mouth or to supplement those patients unable
to take enough nourishment by mouth.
Enterostomal Therapy:
A specialized field of nursing involving the care of patients
with abdominal stomas, dermal wounds, pressure ulcers, incontinence
and related skin conditions.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke:
Smoke that comes from the burning of a tobacco product and smoke that is exhaled by smokers. Inhaling environmental tobacco smoke is called involuntary or passive smoking. Also called secondhand smoke and ETS.
Epidemiology:
The study of the distribution and causes of disease occurrence
in a population.
Experimental:
In clinical trials, refers to a drug (including a new drug, dose, combination, or route of administration) or procedure that has undergone basic laboratory testing and received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be tested in human subjects. A drug or procedure may be approved by the FDA for use in one disease or condition, but be considered experimental in other diseases or conditions. Also called investigational.
External Radiation Therapy:
A type of radiation therapy that uses a machine to aim high-energy rays at the cancer from outside of the body. Also called external-beam radiation therapy.
Evaluable Disease:
Disease that cannot be measured directly by the size of the tumor but can be evaluated by other methods specific to a particular clinical trial.
Epidemiology:
A program or strategy that has been implemented with a group, evaluated and found to be effective.
Fecal-occult Blood Test (FOBT):
Examination of stool for traces of blood not visible to the naked eye.
Five-Year Survival:
A term commonly used as the statistical basis for successful
treatment. A patient with cancer is generally considered cured
after five or more years without recurrence of the disease.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy:
A procedure which uses a thin, lighted tuble about ten inches long called a
sigmoidoscope to examine the first ten to twelve inches of the rectum.
Full-field Digital Mammography:
Examination of the breast by using a computer along with the X-ray to obtain a finer resolution. The computer can compensate for underexposed or overexposed
images.
Generic:
Official nonbrand names by which medicines are known. Generic names usually refer to the chemical name of the drug.
Genital Wart:
A raised growth on the surface of the genitals caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The HPV in genital warts is very contagious and can be spread by skin-to-skin contact, usually during oral, anal, or genital sex with an infected partner. Also called condyloma.
Global Budgets:
Proposed limits to all health care spending.
Grade:
The grade of a tumor depends on how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope and how quickly the tumor is likely to grow and spread. Grading systems are different for each type of cancer.
Gynecologist Oncologist:
A doctor who specializes in treating cancers of the female reproductive organs.
Health Care Professionals:
Practitioners of disease prevention, detection, treatment
and rehabilitation. These include physicians, nurses, dentists,
dietitians, health educators, social workers and therapists,
among others.
Helical CT Scanning:
Spiral or Helical CT scanners have a rotating frame that can rotate continuously
in the same direction causing the path of the X-rays to describe a spiral or
helix. Patients can have entire anatomic regions such as the lungs scanned
during one 20 to 30 second breath hold.
Hematologist:
A doctor who specializes in treating blood disorders.
High-Risk Group:
When the chance for developing cancer is greater for an individual
or a group of people than it is for the general population,
that individual or group is thought to be high-risk. People
may be considered to be high-risk for many factors or combinations
of factors, including a family history of a disease, personal
habits, or exposure to products which can cause cancer in
the environment or workplace.
Home Health Care:
Basic to skilled care provided in the patient's home.
Hospice:
Comprehensive program designed to address the physical, emotional
and spiritual needs of individuals and their families who
face a life-threatening illness.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV):
A member of a family of viruses that can cause abnormal tissue growth (for example, genital warts) and other changes to cells. Infection with certain types of human papillomavirus increases the risk of developing cervical cancer.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine:
A vaccine called Gardasil ® being studied in the prevention of human papillomavirus infection and cervical cancer. Infection with certain types of human papillomavirus increases the risk of developing cervical cancer.
Idiopathic:
Describes a disease of unknown cause.
Immunotherapy:
Biological therapy/treatment to stimulate or restore the ability
of the immune system to fight infection and disease.
Incidence:
The number of occurrences of a given disease within a population.
Cancer incidence is the number of new cases of cancer diagnosed
in one year. Data on the incidence of cancer in Texas are
maintained by the Texas Cancer Registry at the Texas Department
of Health.
Incidence Rate:
Calculated by dividing the number of new cases of a particular
cancer during a given period of time by the number of people
known to be at risk.
Indolent:
A type of cancer that grows slowly.
Infusion Therapy:
Slow and/or prolonged intravenous delivery of a drug or fluids.
In situ:
In place; localized and confined to one area. Carcinoma in
situ is an early stage of the development of a cancer, when
it is still confined to one layer of tissue. Many cancers
diagnosed at this stage have a high cure rate.
Internal Radiation:
Internal radiation, or brachytherapy, is the use of radioactive
isotopes for either temporary or permanent implants. Methods
of delivering brachytherapy include intracavitary or interstitial
placement of sources, instillation of colloidal solutions,
and parenteral or oral administration. Sealed sources are
encapsulated in a metal see, wire, tube or needle. Unsealed
radioactive sources are prepared in a suspension or solution.
Interstitial Irradiation:
A type of internal radiation treatment using either temporary
or permanent implants.
Intracavitary Irradiation:
Irradiation into a cavity, or space, specifically the abdomen,
pelvis, or the chest.
Intra-operative Irradiation:
A large dose of external radiation is directed at the tumor
and surrounding tissue during surgery.
IV Hyperalimentation:
Intravenous administration of nutrients beyond normal requirements.
JCAHO:
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
is the nation's oldest (founded in 1919) independent, not-for-profit
and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare.
The mission of the JCAHO is to improve the quality of care
provided to the public through the provision of health care
accreditation and related services that support performance
improvement in health care. The Joint Commission is recognized
nationwide as a symbol of quality which indicates that an
organization meets certain performance
standards.
Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS):
A standard way of measuring the ability of cancer patients to perform ordinary tasks. The Karnofsky Performance scores range from 0 to 100. A higher score means the patient is better able to carry out daily activities. KPS may be used to determine a patient's prognosis, to measure changes in a patient’s ability to function, or to decide if a patient could be included in a clinical trial.
Late-Effects:
Side effects of cancer treatment that appear months or years after treatment has ended. Late effects include physical and mental problems and second cancers.
Linear Accelerators:
Linear accelerators, using high-energy x-ray beams, are now
the most commonly used machines. Technological advances have
permitted the development of machines with increased energy,
allowing for precise treatments of deep seated tumors with
less damage (i.e. skin sparing) to superficial tissues.
Living Will:
A type of legal advance directive in which a person describes specific treatment guidelines that are to be followed by health care providers if he or she becomes terminally ill and cannot communicate. A living will usually has instructions about whether to use aggressive medical treatment to keep a person alive (such as CPR, artificial nutrition, use of a respirator).
Local:
An invasive neoplasm confined entirely to the organ of origin.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):
A procedure using a magnet linked to a computer to create
pictures of areas inside the body.
Malignancy:
The tendency of certain diseases to become progressively worse.
A
malignancy is often resistant to treatment and can result
in death.
Mammography:
A screening and diagnostic technique that uses low-dose x-rays
to find tumors in the breast.
Managed Competition:
Centralized management of the distribution of goods and services
from various providers. It is often considered to be synonymous
with a market-based approach because it allows consumers to
choose from among competing health plans. In the context of
national health care reform, it would include a defined package
of basic benefits with supplemental options.
Measurable Disease:
A tumor that can be accurately measured in size. This information can be used to judge response to treatment.
Medical Oncologist:
A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and biological therapy. A medical oncologist often is the main health care provider for someone who has cancer. A medical oncologist also gives supportive care and may coordinate treatment given by other specialists.
Medicare Certification:
Process which focuses on provider and supplier specific process
quality indicators and outcome measures in order to improve
care provided to beneficiaries.
Metastasis:
The spread of cancer cells to new areas of the body.
Morbidity:
Any departure, subjective or objective, from a state of physiological
or
psychological well-being. In this sense, sickness, illness,
and a morbid condition are synonymous.
Mortality Rate:
Calculated by dividing the number of people who have died
of a particular cancer during a given period of time by the
total population at risk.
Nanotechnology:
The field of research that deals with the engineering and creation of things from materials that are less than 100 nanometers (one-billionth of a meter) in size, especially single atoms or molecules. Nanotechnology is being studied in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
Neoplasm:
A new growth of tissue serving no physiological function;
see tumor.
Neuroblastoma:
A malignant tumor formed of embryonic ganglion cells.
Neuro-oncologist:
A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating brain tumors and other tumors of the nervous system.
Nuclear Imaging:
Nuclear medicine studies document organ function, in contrast
to conventional radiology, which creates images based upon
anatomy. Many of the nuclear studies can measure the degree
of function present in an organ. Images may be obtained immediately,
as the isotope is injected, or up to several days later to
allow sufficient radionuclide to collect in the selected organ
or system.. For example, when tumors metastasize to bone they
may stimulate abnormal bone production. This abnormality causes
more of the radionuclide to be in
this region.
Obesity:
A condition in which a person has abnormally high amounts of unhealthy
body fat; medically defined as a body mass index of 30 or greater.
Occupational Therapy:
The use of avocational or vocational tasks as a form of therapy.
Objective Response:
A measurable response in cancer treatment or clinical trials.
Off-Label:
Describes the legal use of a prescription drug to treat a disease or condition for which the drug has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Oncology:
A science dealing with the physical, chemical, and biologic
properties and features of cancer, including causes and the
disease process.
Oncologist:
A physician who, after extensive training, specializes in
cancer treatment.
Open Label Study:
A type of study in which both the health providers and the patients are aware of the drug or treatment being given.
Overall Survival Rate:
The percentage of people in a study or treatment group who are alive for a given period of time after diagnosis or treatment. This is often measured 5 years after diagnosis or treatment and called the 5-year survival rate. Also called survival rate.
Pack Year:
A way to measure the amount a person has smoked over a long period of time. It is calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years the person has smoked. For example, 1 pack year is equal to smoking 1 pack per day for 1 year, or 2 packs per day for half a year, and so on.
Palliative Care:
Treatment to relieve, rather than cure, symptoms caused by
cancer. Palliative care can help people live more comfortably.
Pap Test:
A simple microscopic examination of cells. The Pap test can
detect cancer of the cervix at an early, highly curable stage.
Pathologist:
A doctor who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope.
Patient Advocate:
A person who helps a patient work with others who have an effect on the patient's health, including doctors, insurance companies, employers, case managers, and lawyers. A patient advocate helps resolve issues about health care, medical bills, and job discrimination related to a patient's medical condition. Cancer advocacy groups try to raise public awareness about important cancer issues, such as the need for cancer support services, education, and research. Such groups work to bring about change that will help cancer patients and their families.
Phase I Trial:
The first step in testing a new treatment in humans. These studies test the best way to give a new treatment (for example, by mouth, intravenous infusion, or injection) and the best dose. The dose is usually increased a little at a time in order to find the highest dose that does not cause harmful side effects. Because little is known about the possible risks and benefits of the treatments being tested, phase I trials usually include only a small number of patients who have not been helped by other treatments.
Phase II Trial:
A study to test whether a new treatment has an anticancer effect (for example, whether it shrinks a tumor or improves blood test results) and whether it works against a certain type of cancer.
Phase III Trial:
A study to compare the results of people taking a new treatment with the results of people taking the standard treatment (for example, which group has better survival rates or fewer side effects). In most cases, studies move into phase III only after a treatment seems to work in phases I and II. Phase III trials may include hundreds of people.
Phase IV Trial:
After a treatment has been approved and is being marketed, it is studied in a phase IV trial to evaluate side effects that were not apparent in the phase III trial. Thousands of people are involved in a phase IV trial.
Photon Beam Therapy:
A type of radiation therapy that reaches deep tumors with high-energy x-rays made by a machine called a linear accelerator.
Physical Therapy:
The treatment of pain, disease, or injury by physical and
mechanical means. For example, massage, regulated exercise,
water, heat, or light may be used as a part of physical therapy.
Plasmapheresis:
Removal of whole blood from the body, separation of its cellular
elements by centrifugation, and reinfusion of them suspended
in saline or some other plasma substitute, thus depleting
the body's own plasma protein without depleting its cells.
Population Estimates:
Estimates generally use existing data collected from various sources.
While projections and estimates may appear similar, there are some distinct differences between the two measures.
Estimates are for the past, while projections are based on assumptions about future demographic trends at the time
the projections are produced.
An estimate and a projection available for the same date (e.g., July 1997),
may not agree because they were produced at different times based on different assumptions.
Population Projections:
Projections are estimates of the population for future dates.
They illustrate plausible courses of future population change based on assumptions about
future births, deaths, international migration, and domestic migration.
Projected numbers are based on an estimated population consistent with the most
recent decennial census as enumerated, projected forward using a variant of the cohort-component method.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET):
Tomographic imaging of local metabolic and physiological functions
in tissues, indicating the presence or absence of disease;
the image is formed by a computer synthesis of data transmitted
by positron-emitting radionuclides that have been incorporated
into natural biochemical substances administered to the patient.
Power of Attorney:
A power of attorney is a legal document that gives one person (such as a relative, lawyer, or friend) the authority to make legal, medical, or financial decisions for another person. It may go into effect right away, or when that person is no longer able to make decisions for himself or herself.
Precancerous:
A term used to describe a condition that may (or is likely to) become cancer. Also called premalignant.
Prevalence:
The number of persons in a population with a given disease
at a given time.
Prevention:
Primary prevention is the reduction or control of causative
factors of potential health problems. This includes reducing
or eliminating various risk factors such as quitting smoking
to reduce the risk of lung cancer and wearing sunscreen to
reduce the chances of developing skin cancer and environmental
measures such as reducing exposure to toxic or carcinogenic
substances. This category also includes health-service interventions,
such as vaccinations or such preventive "therapy" tools as
fluoridated water supplies or dental sealants.
Secondary prevention is the early detection and treatment
of health problems, such as using mammography to detect breast
cancer and Pap tests to detect cervical cancer, along with
the resulting diagnosis and initial treatment.
Tertiary prevention involves providing appropriate supportive
and rehabilitative services to minimize morbidity and maximize
the quality of life, such as the rehabilitation of injuries
and the prevention of secondary complications.
Primary Treatment:
The first treatment for a disease or condition. In patients with cancer, primary treatment can be surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these therapies. Also called primary therapy and first-line therapy.
Prognosis:
The likely outcome or course of a disease; the chance of recovery or recurrence.
Prophylactic:
In medicine, something that prevents or protects.
Prostate Cancer:
Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland. The prostate gland is found only in men; therefore, only men get prostate cancer. The prostate is about the size of a walnut. It is just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The tube that carries urine (urethra) runs through the prostate. (from American Cancer Society web site)
Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA):
A gland protein made by the prostate. Levels in the blood often go up in men
with prostate cancer. The PSA test is used to help find prostate cancer, as well as to monitor the results of treatment.
Quality of Life:
The overall enjoyment of life. Many clinical trials assess the effects of cancer and its treatment on the quality of life. These studies measure aspects of an individual’s sense of well-being and ability to carry out various activities.
Radiation Therapy:
Cancer treatments which utilize high-energy waves or particles
of radiation.
Regional:
A neoplasm that has extended beyond the limits of the organ
of origin directly into surrounding organs or tissues; into
regional lymph nodes; or both direct extension and regional
lymph node involvement.
Rehabilitation:
Programs which help patients adjust to health problems or
disablement and return to a full productive life. Rehabilitation
may involve physical restoration, such as the use of prostheses,
or emotional help such as counseling or providing emotional
support.
Remission:
A state or period during which the symptoms of cancer are
not present.
Respite Care:
Care provided to the patient while the family or other care
givers are given time to recuperate from the daily stress
of providing long-term. This may require temporary help from
other family members, or from community respite programs like
those offered by the Visiting Nurses Association.
Risk Assessment:
The evaluation of an individual's personal and family history,
often by using questionnaires to estimate the degree to which
that person is at risk for developing certain types of cancer.
For example, assessing an individuals risk of developing cancer
can provide information on ways to lower personal risk and
can make the person aware of early warning signs and the type
and frequency of screening programs to follow.
Risk Factor:
Something that increases a person's chance of developing a
disease; an aspect of personal behavior or lifestyle, an environmental
exposure, or an inborn or inherited characteristic, which
on the basis of epidemiologic evidence is known to be associated
with health-related conditions.
Screening:
Checking for disease when there are no symptoms; usually concerned
with chronic illness and aims to check for disease not yet
under medical care.
Screening Mammogram:
X-rays of the breasts taken to check for breast cancer in the absence of signs or symptoms.
Secondhand Smoke:
Smoke that comes from the burning of a tobacco product and smoke that is exhaled by smokers. Inhaling secondhand smoke is called involuntary or passive smoking. Also called environmental tobacco smoke and ETS.
Self-Referred Patients:
Patients which refer themselves for a procedure such as mammography
or refer themselves to a hospital without a physician's referral.
Simulators - Simulation and Treatment Planning:
The purpose of treatment planning is to determine the best
way to deliver the radiation treatment and to limit the radiation
dose to normal tissues. An x-ray machines called a simulator
is used to visualize and define the exact treatment area.
Temporary dye or permanent tattoos about the size of a small
freckle may be used to mark reference points on the skin to
allow exactly the same are to be treated each day.
Sliding Scale Fee:
A fee based on the individual's ability to pay for services;
may vary from 100% of the fee to 0%.
Small Volume Portable Pumps:
Pumps used for infusion that can be used at home or in nursing
homes.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor):
A scale for rating the level of sunburn protection in sunscreen products. The higher the SPF, the more sunburn protection it gives. Sunscreens with a value of 2 through 11 give minimal protection against sunburns. Sunscreens with a value of 12 through 29 give moderate protection. SPFs of 30 or higher give high protection against sunburn. Also called sun protection factor.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
A common form of skin cancer which, when detected and treated
early, will result in complete cure.
Stage:
A distinct phase in the course of a disease. Stages of cancer
are typically defined by the degree of containment or spread
of the tumor: in situ, localized, regional or distant spread.
Stool Test:
A test to check for hidden blood in the bowel movement.
Subclavian/Long-line Catheter:
A tubular instrument for the passage of fluid from or into
the subclavian vein.
Support Group:
A group of people with similar disease who meet to discuss how better to cope with their disease and treatment.
Surgical Oncologist:
A doctor who performs biopsies and other surgical procedures in cancer patients.
Survivor:
One who remains alive and continues to function after overcoming difficulties or life-threatening diseases like cancer.
Survivorship:
In cancer, survivorship covers the physical, psychosocial, and economic issues of cancer, from diagnosis until the end of life. It includes issues related to the ability to get health care and follow-up treatment, late effects of treatment, second cancers, and quality of life.
Tumor:
An abnormal mass of tissue that is not inflammatory, arises
from cells of pre-existent tissues, and serves no useful purpose.
See Neoplasm.
Translational Research:
A term used to describe the process by which the results of research done in the laboratory are used to develop new ways to diagnose and treat disease.
Ultrasonography:
An exam in which sound waves are bounced off tissues and the
echoes are converted into a picture. Ultrasound can reveal
information about the shape, texture, and composition of tumors
and cysts that cannot be seen on conventional x-ray studies.
For example, suspicious lumps found during a mammographic
study can be examined with ultrasound to determine whether
they are benign cysts or solid masses.
Ultraviolet Radiation:
Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. UV radiation also comes from sun lamps and tanning beds. UV radiation can damage the skin and cause melanoma and other types of skin cancer. UV radiation that reaches the Earth's surface is made up of two types of rays, called UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are more likely than UVA rays to cause sunburn, but UVA rays pass deeper into the skin. Scientists have long thought that UVB radiation can cause melanoma and other types of skin cancer. They now think that UVA radiation also may add to skin damage that can lead to skin cancer and cause premature aging. For this reason, skin specialists recommend that people use sunscreens that reflect, absorb, or scatter both kinds of UV radiation. Also called UV radiation.
Urologic Oncologist:
A doctor who specializes in treating cancers of the urinary system.
Urologist:
A doctor who specializes in diseases of the urinary organs in females and the urinary and sex organs in males.
Ventilator Care:
The care of patients who need an apparatus for producing mechanical
ventilation (breathing), especially in cases of paralysis
or inadequate spontaneous ventilation.
World Health Organization (WHO):
A part of the United Nations that deals with major health issues around the world. The WHO sets standards for disease control, health care, and medicines; conducts education and research programs; and publishes scientific papers and reports. A major goal is to improve access to health care for people in developing countries and in groups who do not get good health care. The headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland. Also called World Health Organization.