Caregiver A person who gives care to people who need help taking care of themselves. Examples include children, the elderly, or patients who have chronic illnesses or are disabled. Caregivers may be health professionals, family members, friends, social workers, or members of the clergy. They may give care at home or in a hospital or other health care setting. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) A federal agency, within the U.S. Public Health Service of the Department of Health and Human Services, whose mission is to protect public health by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. The CDC promotes healthy behaviors and safe, healthy environments. It keeps track of health trends, tries to find the cause of health problems and outbreaks of disease, and responds to new public health threats. Cervical cancer Cancer that arises in the cervix (the area where the uterus connects to the vagina). The two main types of cervical cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Most cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). Normal cells of the cervix do not suddenly become cancerous; they first gradually develop precancerous changes, then later turn into cancer. These changes can be detected by the Papanicolaou (Pap) test and treated to prevent the development of cancer. Chemotherapy The use of chemical substances to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) A receptor created in the laboratory that is designed to bind to certain proteins on cancer cells. It is then added to immune cells called T cells taken from cancer patients. This helps the T cells find and kill cancer cells that have a specific protein that the CAR is designed to bind to. Chromosome Structure within the nucleus of a cell that contains genetic information (DNA) and its associated proteins. Except for sperm and eggs, nearly all nondiseased human cells contain 46 chromosomes. Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) A slow-growing cancer in which too many myeloblasts—a type of immature blood cell that makes white blood cells called myeloid cells—are found in the blood and bone marrow. CML is usually marked by a chromosome change called the Philadelphia chromosome, in which a piece of chromosome 9 and a piece of chromosome 22 break off and trade places with each other. Also called chronic granulocytic leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia. Circadian rhythm The natural cycle of physical, mental, and behavioral changes that the body goes through in a 24hour cycle. Circadian rhythms are mostly affected by light and darkness and are controlled by a small area in the middle of the brain. They can affect sleep, body temperature, hormones, appetite, and other body functions. Click chemistry Describes a method of joining molecules together by using simple, practical chemical reactions to synthesize drug-like molecules or create scientific assays. Clinical trial A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods for screening, preventing, diagnosing, or treating a disease. Also called clinical study. Colonoscopy Examination of the inside of the colon using a colonoscope that is inserted into the rectum. A colonoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove tissue to be checked under a microscope for signs of disease. Colorectal cancer Cancer that forms in the colon or the rectum. More than 95 percent of colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas that arise in cells forming glands that make mucus to lubricate the inside of the colon and rectum. Before a colorectal cancer develops, a growth of tissue or tumor usually begins as a noncancerous polyp on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Polyps can be found—for example, through colonoscopy—and removed before they turn into cancer. Computed tomography (CT) A 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. Also called CAT scan, computerized axial tomography scan, and computerized tomography. COVID-19 A highly contagious respiratory disease that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Cytokine A type of protein that is made by certain immune and nonimmune cells and has an effect on the immune system. Some cytokines stimulate the immune system and others slow it down. Cytokine release syndrome A condition that may occur after treatment with some types of immunotherapy, such as monoclonal antibodies and CAR-T cells. Cytokine release syndrome is caused by a large, rapid release of cytokines into the blood from immune cells affected by the immunotherapy. Cytotoxic An agent or substance that is toxic to living cells. D Death rate/mortality rate The number of deaths in a certain group of people in a certain period of time. Death rates may be reported for people who have a certain disease; who live in one area of the country; or who are of a certain gender, age, or ethnic group. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) The molecules inside cells that carry genetic information and pass it from one generation to the next. Glossary AACR Cancer Progress Report 2023 185
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