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Testing a group of people who are thought to be well in the hope of finding early cancer. The aim is to treat more effectively because of early diagnosis. An example is 'PAP' smears aimed at finding early undetected cervical cancers.

Assessment of a cancer to help plan treatment. The staging is based on four aspects: -the size of the tumour -histological grade -whether there is any lymph node spread -whether there is any other spread or metastasis

A type of primitive cell that is able to develop into body tissue. For example , bone marrow stem cells are able to replace the bone marrow and go on to develop blood cells and are used after high dose chemotherapy.

Support tube placed into the body to stop blockage by a cancer growth. Examples where stenting is used are the ureter (tube between the kidney and the bladder) or the oesophagus (between the mouth and the stomach).

To treat from two or more different directions. This means that a higher dose of treatment is given to the tumour, but normal tissues will have less exposure as the radiotherapy reaches the tumour from different angles.

Inflammation of the lining of the mouth. Can cause pain, bleeding, infection and difficulty swallowing.

A type of injection just under the skin.