National Cancer Institute (NCI) publications can be ordered by writing to the address below:

Publications Ordering Service
National Cancer Institute
Suite 3035A
6116 Executive Boulevard, MSC 8322
Bethesda, MD 20892-8322

Many NCI publications can be viewed, downloaded, and ordered on the Internet from http://www.cancer.gov/publications. In addition, people in the United States and its territories may order these and other NCI publications by calling the NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.

Booklets About Cancer Treatment

Radiation Therapy and You: A Guide to Self-Help During Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy and You: A Guide to Self-Help During Cancer Treatment
Helping Yourself During Chemotherapy: 4 Steps for Patients
Biological Therapy: Treatments That Use Your Immune System to Fight Cancer
Eating Hints for Cancer Patients: Before, During & After Treatment
Understanding Cancer Pain
Pain Control: A Guide for People with Cancer and Their Families
Get Relief from Cancer Pain

Booklets About Living With Cancer

Advanced Cancer: Living Each Day
Facing Forward Series: Life After Cancer Treatment
Facing Forward Series: Ways You Can Make a Difference in Cancer
Taking Time: Support for People with Cancer and the People Who Care About Them When Cancer Recurs: Meeting the Challenge
Booklets About Clinical Trials
Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies
Taking Part in Clinical Trials: Cancer Prevention Studies: What Participants Need To Know

Booklet About Risk Factors

Cancer and the Environment

Fact Sheets About Treatment and Support

"Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Treatment: Questions and Answers"
"Biological Therapies for Cancer: Questions and Answers"
"Bone Marrow Transplantation and Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation: Questions and Answers"
"Follow-up Care: Questions and Answers"
"Understanding Prognosis and Cancer Statistics" ‘

Fact Sheets About Lab Tests and Exams

"The Pap Test: Questions and Answers"
"Screening Mammograms: Questions and Answers"
"Colorectal Cancer Screening: Questions and Answers"
"Interpreting Laboratory Test Results"
"The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Questions and Answers"
"Tumor Markers"

Fact Sheets About Smoking and Tobacco Use

"Environmental Tobacco Smoke"
"Cigarette Smoking and Cancer: Questions and Answers"
"Smokeless Tobacco and Cancer: Questions and Answers"
"The Truth About 'Light' Cigarettes: Questions and Answers"
"Questions and Answers About Cigar Smoking and Cancer"

Fact Sheets About Hormones

"DES: Questions and Answers"
Fertility Drugs As a Risk Factor for Ovarian Cancer"
"Oral Contraceptives and Cancer Risk"
"Menopausal Hormone Use: Questions and Answers"
"Abortion, Miscarriage, and Breast Cancer Risk"
"Pregnancy and Breast Cancer Risk"

Fact Sheets About Chemicals and Radiation

"Formaldehyde and Cancer: Questions and Answers"
"Asbestos Exposure: Questions and Answers"
"Radon and Cancer: Questions and Answers"
"No Excess Mortality Risk Found in Counties with Nuclear Facilities"

Fact Sheets About Viruses

"Human Papillomaviruses and Cancer: Questions and Answers"
Fact Sheets About Diet and Physical Activity
"Obesity and Cancer: Questions and Answers"
"Questions and Answers: Physical Activity and Cancer"

Dictionary

Acupuncture (AK-yoo-PUNK-cher): The technique of inserting thin needles through the skin at specific points on the body to control pain and other symptoms. It is a type of complementary and alternative medicine.

AIDS: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (ah-KWY-erd im-YOON-o-de-FISH-en-see SIN-drome). A disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). People with AIDS are at an increased risk for developing certa in cancers and for infections that usually occur only in individuals with a weak immune system.

Bacteria (bak-TEER-ee-uh): A large group of singlecell microorganisms. Some cause infections and disease in animals and humans. The singular of bacteria is bacterium.

BCG solution: A form of biological therapy for superficial bladder cancer. A catheter is used to place the BCG solution into the bladder. The solution contains live, weakened bacteria (bacille Calmette- Guérin) that activate the immune system. The BCG solution used for bladder cancer is not the same thing as BCG vaccine, a vaccine for tuberculosis.

Benign (beh-NINE): Not cancerous. Benign tumors do not spread to tissues around them or to other parts of the body.

Biological therapy (by-o-LAHJ-i-kul): Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight infections and other diseases. Also used to lessen certain side effects that may be caused by cancer treatment. Also known as immunotherapy, biotherapy, or biological response modifier (BRM) therapy.

Biopsy (BY-op-see): The removal of cells or tissues for examination by a pathologist. The pathologist may study the tissue under a microscope or perform other tests. When only a sample of tissue is removed, the procedure is called an incisional biopsy. When an entire lump or suspicious area is removed, the procedure is called an excisional biopsy. When a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle, the procedure is called a needle biopsy, core biopsy, or fine-needle aspiration.

Bone marrow: The soft, sponge-like tissue in the center of most large bones. It produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

Brachytherapy (BRAKE-ih-THER-a-pee): A procedure in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters is placed directly into or near a tumor. Also called internal radiation, implant radiation, or interstitial radiation therapy.

Cancer: A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system.

Cell: The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.

Chemotherapy (kee-mo-THER-a-pee): Treatment with drugs that kill cancer.

Clinical trial: A type of research study that tests how well new medical interventions work in people. Such studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. Studies may be carried out in a clinic or other medical facility. Also called a clinical study.

Colonoscopy (ko-lun-AHS-ko-pee): An examination of the inside of the colon using a thin, lighted tube (called a colonoscope) inserted into the rectum. If abnormal areas are seen, tissue can be removed and examined under a microscope to determine whether disease is present.

Complementary and alternative medicine: CAM.

Forms of treatment that are used in addition to (complementary) or instead of (alternative) standard treatments. These practices generally are not considered standard medical approaches. Standard treatments have gone through a long and careful research process to prove they are safe and effective, but less is known about CAM. CAM may include dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, acupuncture, massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation.

CT scan: Computed tomography scan. A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computerized tomography and computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan.

Diethylstilbestrol (dye-ETH-ul-stil-BES-trol): DES. A synthetic form of the hormone estrogen that was prescribed to pregnant women between about 1940 and 1971 because it was thought to prevent miscarriages. DES may increase the risk of uterine, ovarian, or breast cancer in women who took it. DES also has been linked to an increased risk of clear cell carcinoma of the vagina or cervix in daughters exposed to DES before birth.

Dietitian: A health professional with special training in nutrition who can help with dietary choices. Also called a nutritionist.

Digestive tract (dye-JES-tiv): The organs through which food and liquids pass when they are swallowed, digested, and eliminated. These organs are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and rectum.

Digital rectal exam: DRE. An examination in which a doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities.

Double-contrast barium enema: A procedure in which x-rays of the colon and rectum are taken after a liquid containing barium is put into the rectum. Barium is a silver-white metallic compound that outlines the colon and rectum on an x-ray and helps show abnormalities. Air is put into the rectum and colon to further enhance the x-ray.

Epstein-Barr virus: EBV. A common virus that remains dormant in most people. It has been associated with certain cancers, including Burkitt’s lymphoma, immunoblastic lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Estrogen (ES-tro-jin): A hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of female sex characteristics.

Excisional biopsy (ek-SI-zhun-al BY-op-see): A surgical procedure in which an entire lump or suspicious area is removed for diagnosis. The tissue is then examined under a microscope.

External radiation (ray-dee-AY-shun): Radiation therapy that uses a machine to aim high-energy rays at the cancer. Also called external-beam radiation.

Fecal occult blood test (FEE-kul o-KULT): FOBT. A test to check for blood in stool. (Fecal refers to stool; occult means hidden.)

Fertility (fer-TIL-i-tee): The ability to produce children.

Gene: The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein.

Genetic testing: Analyzing DNA to look for a genetic alteration that may indicate an increased risk for developing a specific disease or disorder.

Helicobacter pylori (HEEL-ih-ko-BAK-ter pye-LOR-ee): H. pylori. Bacteria that cause inflammation and ulcers in the stomach and small intestine.

Hematologist (hee-ma-TOL-o-jist): A doctor who specializes in treating blood disorders.

Hepatitis B virus: A virus that causes hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). It is carried and passed to others through blood or sexual contact. Also, infants born to infected mothers may become infected with the virus.

Hepatitis C virus: A virus that causes hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). It is carried and passed to others through blood or sexual contact. Also, infants born to infected mothers may become infected with the virus.

Hormone: A chemical made by glands in the body. Hormones circulate in the bloodstream and control the actions of certain cells or organs. Some hormones can also be made in a laboratory.

Hormone therapy: Treatment that adds, blocks, or removes hormones. For certain conditions (such as diabetes or menopause), hormones are given to adjust low hormone levels. To slow or stop the growth of certain cancers (such as prostate and breast cancer), hormones may be given to block the body’s natural hormones. Sometimes surgery is needed to remove the gland that makes hormones. Also called hormonal therapy, hormone treatment, or endocrine therapy.

Human herpesvirus 8: HHV8. A member of the herpes family of viruses. It is a risk factor for Kaposi’s sarcoma, a rare cancer that can cause skin lesions.

Human immunodeficiency virus: HIV. The cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Human papillomavirus (pap-ih-LO-ma-VYE-rus): HPV. A virus that causes abnormal tissue growth (warts) and is associated with some types of cancer.

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1: A retrovirus that infects T cells (a type of white blood cell) and can cause leukemia and lymphoma. HTLV-1 is spread by sharing syringes or needles used to inject drugs, through sexual contact, and from mother to child at birth or through breast-feeding.

Imaging procedure: A method of producing pictures of areas inside the body.

Implant radiation (ray-dee-AY-shun): A procedure in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters is placed directly into or near a tumor. Also called brachytherapy, internal radiation, or interstitial radiation.

Incisional biopsy (in-SIH-zhun-al BY-op-see): A surgical procedure in which a portion of a lump or suspicious area is removed for diagnosis. The tissue is then examined under a microscope.

Infection: Invasion and multiplication of germs in the body. Infections can occur in any part of the body, and can spread throughout the body. The germs may be bacteria, viruses, yeast, or fungi. They can cause a fever and other problems, depending on where the infection occurs. When the body’s natural defense system is strong, it can often fight the germs and prevent infection. Cancer treatment can weaken the natural defense system.

Infertility: The inability to produce children.

Internal radiation (ray-dee-AY-shun): A procedure in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters is placed directly into or near a tumor. Also called brachytherapy, implant radiation, or interstitial radiation therapy.

Ionizing radiation (EYE-ah-NIZE-ing ray-dee-AYshun): A type of high-frequency radiation produced by x- ray procedures, radioactive substances, rays that enter the Earth’s atmosphere from outer space, and other sources. Ionizing radiation can enter cells and lead to health risks, including cancer, at certain doses.

Leukemia (loo-KEE-mee-a): Cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream.

Leukocyte (LOO-ko-site): A white blood cell. Refers to a blood cell that does not contain hemoglobin. White blood cells include lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, and mast cells. These cells are made by bone marrow and help the body fight infection and other diseases.

Local therapy: Treatment that affects cells in the tumor and the area close to it.

Lymph node (limf node): A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph nodes filter lymph (lymphatic fluid), and they store lymphocytes (white blood cells). They are located along lymphatic vessels. Also called a lymph gland.

Lymphatic system (lim-FAT-ik SIS-tem): The tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells that fight infections and other diseases. This system includes the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and lymphatic vessels (a network of thin tubes that carry lymph and white blood cells). Lymphatic vessels branch, like blood vessels, into all the tissues of the body.

Lymphoma (lim-FO-ma): Cancer that begins in cells of the immune system.

Malignant (ma-LIG-nant): Cancerous. Malignant tumors can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

Mammogram (MAM-o-gram): An x-ray of the breast.

Medical oncologist (MED-i-kul on-KOL-o-jist): 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 provides supportive care and may coordinate treatment provided by other specialists.

Melanoma (MEL-ah-NO-ma): A form of skin cancer that arises in melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment. Melanoma usually begins in a mole.

Menopausal hormone therapy: Hormones (estrogen, progesterone, or both) given to women after menopause to replace the hormones no longer produced by the ovaries. Also called hormone replacement therapy or HRT.

Menopause (MEN-o-pawz): The time of life when a woman’s menstrual periods stop permanently. Also called "change of life.”

Metastasis (meh-TAS-ta-sis): The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. A tumor formed by cells that have spread is called a "metastatic tumor” or a "metastasis.” The metastatic tumor contains cells that are like those in the original (primary) tumor. The plural form of metastasis is metastases (meh- TAS-taseez).

Mole: A benign growth on the skin (usually tan, brown, or flesh-colored) that contains a cluster of melanocytes and surrounding supportive tissue.

MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (mag-NET-ik REZ-o-nans IM-a-jing). A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue. MRI makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as CT or x-ray. MRI is especially useful for imaging the brain, spine, the soft tissue of joints, and the inside of bones. Also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

Mutation: Any change in the DNA of a cell. Mutations may be caused by mistakes during cell division, or they may be caused by exposure to DNA-damaging agents in the environment. Mutations can be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect. If they occur in cells that make eggs or sperm, they can be inherited; if mutations occur in other types of cells, they are not inherited. Certain mutations may lead to cancer or other diseases.

Organ: A part of the body that performs a specific function. For example, the heart is an organ.

Pap test: The collection of cells from the cervix for examination under a microscope. It is used to detect cancer and changes that may lead to cancer. Also called a Pap smear.

Pathologist (pa-THOL-o-jist): A doctor who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope.

PET scan: Positron emission tomography scan. A procedure in which a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein, and a scanner is used to make detailed, computerized pictures of areas inside the body where the glucose is used. Because cancer cells often use more glucose than normal cells, the pictures can be used to find cancer cells in the body.

Polyp (POL-ip): A growth that protrudes from a mucous membrane.

Primary tumor: The original tumor.

Progestin (pro-JES-tin): Any natural or laboratorymade substance that has some or all of the biologic effects of progesterone, a female hormone.

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 oncologist (ray-dee-AY-shun on-KOLo- jist): A doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer.

Radiation therapy (ray-dee-AY-shun THER-ah-pee): The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, or brachytherapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body. Also called radiotherapy.

Radioactive: (RAY-dee-o-AK-tiv): Giving off radiation.

Radioactive fallout (RAY-dee-o-AK-tiv): Airborne radioactive particles that fall to the ground during and after an atomic bombing, nuclear weapons test, or nuclear plant accident.

Radionuclide scan (RAY-dee-o-NEW-klide): A test that produces pictures (scans) of internal parts of the body. The person is given an injection or swallows a small amount of radioactive material; a machine called a scanner then measures the radioactivity in certain organs.

Radon (RAY-don): A radioactive gas that is released by uranium, a substance found in soil and rock. Breathing in too much radon can damage lung cells and lead to lung cancer.

Recurrence: The return of cancer, at the same place as the original (primary) tumor or in another location, after the tumor had disappeared.

Risk factor: Something that may increase the chance of developing a disease. Some examples of risk factors for cancer include age, a family history of certain cancers, use of tobacco products, certain eating habits, obesity, exposure to radiation or other cancer-causing agents, and certain genetic changes.

Screening: Checking for disease when there are no symptoms.

Side effect: A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some common side effects of cancer treatment are fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss, and mouth sores.

Sigmoidoscopy (sig-moid-OSS-ko-pee): Inspection of the lower colon using a thin, lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope. Samples of tissue or cells may be collected for examination under a microscope. Also called proctosigmoidoscopy.

Sonogram (SAHN-o-gram): A computer picture of areas inside the body created by bouncing high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) off internal tissues or organs. Also called an ultrasonogram.

Spiral CT scan: A detailed picture of areas inside the body. The pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine that scans the body in a spiral path. Also called helical computed tomography.

Stage: The extent of a cancer within the body. Staging it based on the size of the tumor, whether lymph nodes contain cancer, and whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body.

Stem cell: A cell from which other types of cells develop. Blood cells develop from blood-forming stem cells.

Stem cell transplantation: A method of replacing immature blood-forming cells that were destroyed by cancer treatment. The stem cells are given to the person after treatment to help the bone marrow recover and continue producing healthy blood cells.

Supportive care: Care given to improve the quality of life of patients who have a serious or life-threatening disease. The goal of supportive care is to prevent or treat as early as possible the symptoms of the disease, side effects caused by treatment of the disease, and psychological, social, and spiritual problems related to the disease or its treatment. Also called palliative care, comfort care, and symptom management.

Surgeon: A doctor who removes or repairs a part of the body by operating on the patient.

Surgery (SER-juh-ree): A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.

Symptom: An indication that a person has a condition or disease. Some examples of symptoms are headache, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and pain.

Systemic therapy (sis-TEM-ik THER-a-pee): Treatment using substances that travel through the bloodstream, reaching and affecting cells all over the body.

Thyroid (THIGH-royd): A gland located beneath the voice box (larynx) that produces thyroid hormone. The thyroid helps regulate growth and metabolism.

Tissue (TIH-shoo): A group or layer of cells that are alike and that work together to perform a specific function.

Tumor (TOO-mer): A mass of excess tissue that results from abnormal cell division. Tumors perform no useful body function. They may be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Tumor marker: A substance sometimes found in the blood, other body fluids, or tissues. A high level of tumor marker may mean that a certain type of cancer is in the body. Examples of tumor markers include CA 125 (ovarian cancer), CA 15-3 (breast cancer), CEA (ovarian, lung, breast, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract cancers), and PSA (prostate cancer). Also called biomarker.

Ultrasound: A procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echo patterns are shown on the screen of an ultrasound machine, forming a picture of body tissues called a sonogram. Also called ultrasonography.

Ultraviolet radiation (ul-tra-VYE-o-let ray-dee- AY-shun): UV 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.

Virtual colonoscopy (ko-lun-AHS-ko-pee): A method under study to examine the colon by taking a series of x-rays (called a CT scan) and using a high-powered computer to reconstruct 2-D and 3-D pictures of the interior surfaces of the colon from these x-rays. The pictures can be saved, manipulated to better viewing angles, and reviewed after the procedure, even years later. Also called computed tomography colography.

Virus (VYE-rus): A microorganism that can infect cells and cause disease.

X-ray: A type of high-energy radiation. In low doses, x-rays are used to diagnose diseases by making pictures of the inside of the body. In high doses, x-rays are used to treat cancer.