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- AntioxidantPrevents a chemical process called oxidation, when oxygen molecules join with another chemical. This can cause gene damage in cells that can lead to cancer, so antioxidants may help to prevent cancer. Antioxidants include vitamins A, C and E and selenium.
- ANZCTRThe Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) was established in 2005 with the aim of collecting key information about all clinical trials (not just cancer) being conducted in Australia and New Zealand and making this available on its website. Over 300 cancer clinical trials(...)
- ApomabApomab is a monoclonal antibody, which is a type of protein that is normally made by the immune system to help defend the body from infection and cancer. In preclinical studies Apomab selectively induced programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
- Apoptosis'Programed cell death'. Normal cells automatically die off once they have reproduced about 60 times. This is called apoptosis.
- ApplicatorHolder for radioactive source which is put inside the body during internal radiotherapy. Most commonly used for cancer of the cervix or vagina.
- Aromatase inhibitorsA group of drugs used to treat breast cancer. They work by blocking the action of the enzyme aromatase. Aromatase converts androgens into oestrogens in the fatty tissues of the body by a process called aromatisation. Lowering the levels of oestrogen in this way can reduce the chance of breast(...)
- Arsenic Trioxide (Trisenox)A drug used in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukaemia.
- ArthritisInflammation (swelling) of the joints.
- Artificial progesteroneMan-made progesterone (a female sex hormone). Used to treat some types of cancer – most commonly breast, womb and kidney cancer.
- AsbestosA fibrous material made from silica. Very heat resistant so often used in the past in buildings for insulation. Now banned because it is a health risk. Exposure to asbestos can cause a lung disease called asbestosis and also a type of cancer that affects the lungs, called mesothelioma.(...)
- Ascites (peritoneal cavity fluid)Fluid collected in the abdomen. Can be a sign of cancer affecting the liver or ovaries. It can also be casued by other medical conditions.
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)An enzyme involved in the processing of amino acids by the body. It is found in the liver as well as other body organs. If an organ is damaged, more AST is released into the blood and can be picked up in a blood test. It is a reliable test for liver damage.
- AspirinPain killer and anti-inflammatory drug. Also used as a type of blood thinner. Should not be taken regularly without the advice of a doctor or on an empty stomach.
- AstrocytomaA type of brain tumour. The most common type of glioma. Develops from cells called astrocytes. Grade IV astrocytoma is also called glioblastoma multiforme.
- AtrophyShrinkage or wastage of muscle tissue, nerve tissue, organs or the entire body.
- Atypical hyperplasiaAn increase in cell production and the cells are slightly abnormal (although they are not cancer cells). Can occur in the breast, womb or other parts of the body. In the breast it is usually diagnosed when a breast lump is tested to see if it is cancerous. It is the only type of benign breast(...)
- Autologous transplantBone marrow or stem cell transplant using the person's own marrow or stem cells. Their cancer is put into remission and some of their own marrow or stem cells are taken out. The marrow or stem cells are frozen and stored while the person has high dose chemotherapy treatment (and sometimes(...)
- Avascular necrosisLoss of blood supply to the bone. The bone tissue dies making the bone weak and more likely to collapse. Avascular necrosis can be a side effect of long term or high dose steroid treatment. It happens most often in the hip bones.
- AxillaMore commonly known as armpit.
- Axillary clearanceOperation to remove all the lymph glands from under the arm.
- Axillary dissectionOperation to remove some, or all, of the lymph glands from under the arm.