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Glossary Terms: 1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-37
barium enema
:
a method used to help diagnose colorectal cancer. Barium sulfate, a chalky substance, is used to partially fill and open up the colon. When the colon is about half-full of barium, air is inserted to cause the colon to expand. This allows good x-ray films to be taken. Also called a double contrast barium enema.
basal cell carcinoma
:
the most common non-melanoma skin cancer. It begins in the lowest layer of the epidermis, called the basal cell layer. It usually develops on sun-exposed areas, especially the head and neck. Basal cell cancer is slow-growing and is not likely to spread to distant parts of the body.
basic science
:
laboratory studies that are not aimed at specific problems, but that provide the necessary knowledge and background for later applied research.
behavioral research
:
research into what motivates people to act as they do. The results of such research can be used to help convince people to adopt healthy lifestyles and to follow life-saving screening and treatment guidelines.
benign (be-nine)
:
not cancer; not malignant.
benign prostatic hyperplasia
(be-nine pros-tah-tick hy-per-PLAY-zuh)
:
non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that may cause problems with urination such as trouble starting and stopping the flow. Also referred to as BPH.
benign tumor
:
an abnormal growth that is not cancer and does not spread to other areas of the body.
beta-carotene
:
an early form of vitamin A that is found mainly in yellow and orange vegetables and fruits. It functions as an antioxident and may play a role in cancer prevention.
bilateral
(bi-lat-er-ul)
:
on both sides of the body; for example, bilateral breast cancer is cancer in both breasts at the same time (synchronous) or at different times (metachronous).
biologic response modifiers
:
substances that boost the body's immune system to fight against cancer; interferon is one example. Also called biologic therapy.
Glossary Terms: 1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-37
