Glossary

Very small microorganisms. Some types of bacteria enter the body from the air, water, soil, or food, and can cause infections and disease. Bacteria are the most common causes of infections in people with cancer. Common bacterial infections include pneumonia, bronchitis, and ear infections.

The soft, sponge-like tissue in the center of most bones. Bone marrow makes all kinds of blood cells: white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

Lung disease that harms the lungs and makes it harder to breath. Chronic bronchitis is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) caused by chronic inflammation of the bronchi, the airways leading from the trachea to the lungs.

A tiny plastic tube. Doctors use these to put fluids into your body or as a way for fluids to leave your body.

The use of special medicine(s) to treat cancer by killing cancer cells. A person on chemotherapy may take one drug or a combination of drugs. The drugs will sometimes be referred to as a chemotherapy regimen.

Frequent bowel movements that may be soft, loose, or watery.

A disorder affecting the tiny air sacs of the lungs (alveoli). The transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs takes place in the walls of the alveoli. In emphysema, the alveoli become abnormally inflated, damaging their walls and making it harder to breathe. Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Seasonal influenza, commonly called “the flu” is caused by influenza viruses, which infect the respiratory tract (i.e., the nose, throat, lungs). Unlike many other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, thecan cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people. People with cancer are at a higher risk of developingcomplications.

A plant-like organism. An example of a common fungus is yeast, which causes thrush and diaper rash. The plural is fungi.

Any of a group of viral diseases caused by herpes viruses affecting the skin or nervous system.

When germs enter a person's body and multiply, causing illness, organ and tissue damage, or disease. The germs may be bacteria, viruses, yeast, or fungi. They can cause a fever and other problems, depending on where the infection occurs. When the body's natural defense system is strong, it can often fight the germs and prevent infection. Some cancer treatments can weaken the natural defense system.

A vaccine that uses a “living” virus that is able to produces immunity but does not produce the disease. Generally, live virus vaccines are not recommended for people with cancer.

Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. The inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

An organism that is so small it can only be seen through a high-powered microscope.

A complication of some cancer treatments in which the lining of the digestive system becomes damaged. The digestive system is the group of organs that break down food and absorb the nutrients used by the body for fuel. The mouth, stomach, and intestines are all part of the digestive system. Mucositis is often seen as sores in the mouth.

A vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “live attenuated influenza vaccine” or FluMist®). Cancer patients SHOULD NOT get the nasal spray flu vaccine

When the body has very low levels of certain white blood cells called neutrophils (infection-fighting white blood cells). It is a common side effect of chemotherapy treatment. Doctors check the number of neutrophils by drawing blood to monitor the risk for infection. If you have neutropenia, doctors will sometimes refer to this as having a “low ANC”, or absolute neutrophil count. Your doctor may prescribe a medicine called 'growth factor' or 'G-CSF' to help you lower your risk of neutropenia and infection.

A long, thin, plastic tube that is inserted, typically in your arm, and threaded through a vein to one of the large veins near the heart. A portion of the tube remains outside the skin so that medicine can be easily injected into the veins.

A lung infection caused by a specific type of bacteria (pneumococcus).

In this case, anything that increases someone’s chance of getting an infection or disease.

A complication caused by the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. For a person with cancer, any infection that is anywhere in your body can lead to sepsis.

Stems cells are derived from the blood of a donor. Stem cells live in the bone marrow and will eventually become new blood cells. They are the only cells in the body that have the natural ability to become new cell types. During a stem cell transplant, these cells are introduced into the body after chemotherapy and or radiation therapy to repopulate the bone marrow.

A break in the skin, lining of the mouth, or lining of the stomach.

A very simple microorganism that may cause illness or disease. Viral infections are passed on from other people. Common viral infections include the common cold, herpes, and flu.