Information for the public
Terms explained
Terms explained
Abdomen
The part of the body between the chest and the pelvis. It contains many of the body's organs, such as the stomach, intestine, liver and kidneys.
Anaemia
A blood condition in which there are fewer red blood cells than normal or there is an abnormally low amount of haemoglobin (a chemical that carries oxygen in the blood) in each red blood cell.
Asbestos
An insulating material used widely in industry and construction from the mid‑1940s. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause lung disease, including a type of cancer called mesothelioma (which can affect the lining of the lungs and chest).
CA125
A protein that most women have in their blood. The level of CA125 may be higher in women with ovarian cancer because it is sometimes produced by ovarian cancer cells. However, the level of CA125 can also be raised in women who have other conditions.
Endoscopy
An examination using an endoscope, which is a small flexible tube with a light and a camera at one end.
Genitals
The sex organs, both inside (internal) and outside (external) of the body, including the vulva, vagina and cervix in women, and the penis and testicles in men.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
A common gut disorder that does not always have a known cause. Symptoms include abdominal pain or discomfort that can be relieved by going to the toilet (passing stools), changes in bowel habit (constipation or diarrhoea) and abdominal bloating.
Lymph glands
A network of glands found throughout the body that are involved in fighting infection and cancer.
Oesophagus
The tube that carries food and drink from your mouth to your stomach (also known as the food pipe or gullet).
Pancreas
A gland in the abdomen that produces enzymes to help digest food and also some hormones that help to control blood sugar.
Prostate
A small gland near a man's bladder that produces a fluid that carries the man's sperm when he ejaculates. When a man has prostate cancer, the cells in the prostate gland grow in an uncontrolled way and form lumps (also known as tumours).
Prostate‑specific antigen (PSA)
A protein found in the blood. The PSA level in the blood is often higher in men with prostate cancer, but a higher PSA level does not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer.
Spleen
A small organ that is part of the immune system, involved in producing white blood cells and removing red blood cells.