Cancer and Diabetes Overview

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering the characteristics, terminology, and treatments of cancer, as well as the types, causes, and management methods of diabetes.

Cancer

The uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells.

Tumor

A mass of tissue that has no natural role in the body.

Benign

Non-cancerous.

Malignant

Cancerous.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer from its original spot in the body.

Surgery

A cancer treatment involving the removal of the tumor from the body, with the goal to rid the body of all cancerous cells before they have a chance to metastasize.

Chemotherapy

A cancer treatment that uses strong drugs to target and attack any fast growing cells in the body, with the goal to reduce the rate of abnormal cell reproduction.

Radiation Therapy

A cancer treatment using high energy beams of light (lasers) to target tumors, with the goal to kill off cancerous cells in a very localized area.

Type 1 Diabetes

An "Insulin Dependent" condition diagnosed under the age of 20, caused by dysfunction of the pancreas preventing insulin production and leaving the body unable to convert carbohydrates into glucose for usable energy.

Type 2 Diabetes

An "Insulin Resistant" condition typically diagnosed in middle age or later in life, caused by poor lifestyle factors (such as diet, lack of exercise, and stress), in which the pancreas produces insulin but cells do not react properly to absorb glucose.

Insulin Dependent

A classification referring to Type 1 diabetes, characterized by the pancreas failing to produce insulin.

Insulin Resistant

A classification referring to Type 2 diabetes, where insulin is produced by the pancreas but cells do not react to it properly.

Diabetes Management Strategies

Practices to manage diabetes, including using a blood glucose monitor, balanced nutrition food, carbohydrate counting, medication, and yoga/exercise.