Glossary Terms

Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases in which cells divide without control. Cancer cells can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.

Cataract

A cataract is a thin film that grows inside a person's eyeball, causing vision to become cloudy.

Cervix

The cervix is the part of the uterus which extends into the vagina. It is the passageway between the uterus and vagina. The cervix serves as a boundary between outside of the body and the inside of the body, keeping substances like sperm out of the uterus.

Chemotherapy

Treatment with anticancer drugs that destroy cancer cells.

Chromosomes

Tiny rod-shaped pieces in the nucleus of a cell that hold the DNA code needed to build a human. Most human cells have 46 chromosomes including 22 pairs of autosomes and the X and Y sex chromosomes. Sperm cells have 23 chromosomes.

Chronic

Refers to diseases and symptoms that continue or occur again and again for a long time without change.

Clitoris

The clitoris is a small organ above the vaginal entrance. It is the most sensitive part of the vulva. The clitoris swells during sexual arousal and sends messages of pleasure to the brain when touched.

Colostomy

A colostomy is a surgical incision into the colon to make an opening to the outside of the abdomen. This opening serves as a substitute anus, allowing the intestines to get rid of bodily waste until the colon can heal. Waste falls into a collection pouch outside of the body.

Communication

The exchange of thoughts, messages or information, by speech, signals, writing or behavior.

Complete remission

When a cancer survivor shows no signs or symptoms of cancer.

Counseling

Counseling is a general term that refers to a range of services provided by a professional that are designed to reduce emotional distress. The counseling process involves identifying the causes of distress and using specific techniques to relieve and manage distress.

Cystisis

Cystisis is an inflammation of the bladder. Cystisis most commonly affects women and is caused by a bacterial infection.