Ribonucleic acid (RNA) RNA contains information that has been copied from DNA (the other type of nucleic acid). Cells make several different forms of RNA, and each form has a specific job in the cell. Many forms of RNA have functions related to making proteins. S Sarcoma Type of cancer that begin in the bones and connective tissues such as muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and the lining of joints. Sarcopenia A condition characterized by loss of muscle mass, strength, and function in older adults. Older age, getting little or no exercise, and poor nutrition may increase the risk of sarcopenia. Sarcopenia may also occur in people with cancer. Signaling pathway/signaling network A group of molecules in a cell that work together to control one or more cell functions, such as cell proliferation or cell death. After the first molecule in a pathway receives a signal, it alters the activity of another molecule. This process is repeated until the last molecule is activated, and the cell function involved is carried out. Abnormal activation of signaling pathways can lead to cancer, and drugs are being developed to block these pathways. These drugs may help prevent cancer cell growth and kill cancer cells. Social determinants of health are the social, economic, and physical conditions in the places where people are born and where they live, learn, work, play, and grow older that can affect their health, well-being, and quality of life. These include economic policies and systems, development agendas, social norms, social policies, and political systems. Sociodemographic index A number from 0 to 1 that identifies where countries or geographic areas sit on the spectrum of development. It combines rankings of per capita income, average education attainment, and fertility rates. Somatic mutation An alteration in DNA that occurs after conception. Somatic mutations can occur in any of the cells of the body except the germ cells (sperm and egg) and therefore are not passed on to children. These alterations can (but do not always) cause cancer or other diseases. Also known as acquired mutations. Spatial transcriptomics A technique to count the number of transcripts of a gene at distinct spatial locations in a cell or tissue which can be used to assign cell types to specific locations within a sample. Splicing Process that involves the removal or "splicing out" of certain sequences referred to as intervening sequences, or introns. The final mRNA consists of the remaining sequences, called exons, which are connected to one another through the splicing process. T T cell A type of immune cell that protects the body from invading microorganisms and other foreign substances and that destroys infected and malignant cells. A T cell is a type of white blood cell. Also called T lymphocyte. Treatment resistance The failure of cancer cells to respond to a treatment used to kill or weaken them. The cells may be resistant at the beginning of treatment or may become resistant after being exposed to the treatment. Triple-negative breast cancer A type of breast cancer in which the cancer cells do not have estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, or large amounts of HER2/neu protein. Also called ER-negative, PR-negative, HER2-negative breast cancer. Tumor An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm. Tumor microenvironment The cells, molecules, and blood vessels that surround and feed a cancer cell. A cancer can change its microenvironment, and the microenvironment can affect how a tumor grows and spreads. U United States Preventive Services Taskforce (USPSTF) Independent, volunteer panel of national experts in disease prevention and evidence-based medicine that makes evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services. Uveal melanoma A rare cancer that begins in the cells that make the dark-colored pigment, called melanin, in the uvea or uveal tract of the eye. V Vaccine A substance or group of substances meant to cause the immune system to respond to a tumor or to microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses. A vaccine can help the body recognize and destroy cancer cells or microorganisms. W Wearable technology Any technology designed to be used while worn in close contact to the skin, which can detect, analyze, and transmit information to the wearer and other designated individuals. AACR Cancer Progress Report 2023 Glossary 190
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