GLOSSARY
Cancer words, in plain language.
No jargon, no fear. Clear definitions of the words you might hear at an appointment or read online.
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Benign
A growth that is not cancer. Benign tumours don’t spread to other parts of the body, although they may still need treatment.
Biopsy
A small sample of tissue taken from the body so it can be looked at closely for cancer cells.
Malignant
Means cancerous. Malignant cells can grow into nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
Metastasis
When cancer spreads from where it first started to another part of the body. Sometimes called secondary cancer.
Screening
Tests that look for early signs of cancer before any symptoms appear — often offered to people who feel well.
Staging
A way of describing how big a cancer is and how far it has spread. Staging helps doctors plan the right treatment.
Treatment plan
The agreed set of steps for treating a cancer — surgery, medicines, radiotherapy or active monitoring.
Tumour
A lump or mass formed by cells growing abnormally. A tumour can be benign or malignant.
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