Removal of cells or tissue from the body for examination under a microscope.

A hormone normally found in the blood and urine during pregnancy. It may also be produced by some tumour cells. An increased level of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin may be a sign of a cancer of the uterus, ovary, liver, stomach, pancreas or lung, or gestational trophoblastic disease. Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin may also be produced in response to certain conditions that are not cancer. Also called B-hCG.

Not cancerous. Benign cells are not able to spread like cancer cells.

Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health

At the beginning of the trial, before treatment is started.

Adjusting rates to take into account how many old or young people are in the population being studied. When rates are age standardised, differences in the rates over time or between geographical areas do not simply reflect variations in the age distribution of the populations. This is important when looking at cancer because it is a disease that predominantly affects the elderly. So if cancer rates are not age standardised, a higher rate in one country is likely to reflect the fact that it has a greater proportion of older people.

Treatment given after the primary treatment to increase the chances of a cure. In cancer, adjuvant treatment often refers to chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or radiotherapy after surgery, which is aimed at killing any remaining cancer cells.

A cancer that starts in the cells of glands.

Pain that is severe but lasts a short time.

Public recognition of achievement by a health care organisation, of requirements of national health care standards (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality).