cancer registryA state agency that collects information about cancer cases.
carcinogen(kar-SIN-o-jin) Any substance that causes cancer.
carotenoids(kuh-RAH-tuh-noydz): Pigments made by plants that are commonly found in orange fruits and vegetables and some dark, green vegetables.
CAT scanA series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles. The pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine.
cervical mediastinoscopy(SUR-vuh-kul MEE-dee-eh-stye-NAH-skuh-pee): A surgical procedure to examine the central area of the chest, called the mediastinum.
chemoprevention(KEE-mo-pre-VEN-shun) The use of drugs, vitamins, or other agents to try to reduce the risk of, or delay the development or recurrence of, cancer.
Chemotherapy(KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment with drugs that kill cancer cells.
chest X-rayAn x-ray of the structures inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of high-energy radiation that can go through the body and onto film, making pictures of…
cholesterol(kuh-LESS-tuh-rawl) A waxy, fat-like substance made in the liver, and found in the blood and in all cells of the body.
chromium(KROH-mee-yum): A kind of metal that comes in different forms and is found in rocks and soil. Some forms are also produced during industrial processes.
clinical trialA type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people.
colon cancer(KOH-lun KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in the tissues of the colon (the longest part of the large intestine).