» Families Facing Cancer – Helping carers to cope with cancer

Cervical Cancer

Anne Orchard — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:39:56 +0000

Cervical cancer is where a tumour forms on the cervix or neck of the womb. This may be on the outside of the cervix where it can be felt at the top of the vagina, or inside the opening to the womb. Cervical cancer is much less common than it was due to the cervical screening programs which are in operation in many parts of the world. Abnormalities found as a result of smear tests are normally precancerous changes which can be treated before cervical cancer develops. When cervical cancer is found it is normally treated by surgery combined with either radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Cervix

Anne Orchard — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:38:37 +0000

The cervix is also known as the neck of the womb. It is found at the top of a woman’s vagina, and is the entrance to the uterus, which contains the baby during pregnancy. The cervix is examined during a smear test, and cervix cells taken for analysis (this is not painful and does not cause any harm). If abnormal cells are found on a smear test this does not necessarily mean that cervical cancer is present

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CAM

Anne Orchard — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:39:29 +0000

CAM stands for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Covers a wide variety of therapies which are not part of mainstream medical treatment. Increasingly those with cancer are choosing to include CAM treatments alongside conventional treatments.

Carcinoid

Anne Orchard — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:35:38 +0000

A carcinoid is a rare type of tumour (cancer) of the neuroendocrine system, which produces hormones in the body. These tumours are often slow-growing and can be difficult to diagnose.

Carcinoma

Anne Orchard — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:33:28 +0000

A carcinoma is a malignant tumour that arises from epithelial cells – which are cells that form linings of surfaces within the body. This includes some types of skin cancers.

Carers allowance

Anne Orchard — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:30:17 +0000

Carers allowance is a state benefit in the UK paid to adults who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who is receiving one of a variety of disability benefits.

Chemotherapy

Anne Orchard — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:27:16 +0000

Chemotherapy is the treatment of diseases with chemical drugs, often used to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given alone, before or after surgery or in combination with radiotherapy.