An inherited condition in which numerous polyps (growths that protrude from mucous membranes) form on the inside walls of the colon and rectum. It increases the risk for colorectal cancer. Also called FAP and familial polyposis.

Cancer that occurs in families more often than would be expected by chance. These cancers often occur at an early age, and may indicate the presence of a gene mutation that increases the risk of cancer. They may also be a sign of shared environmental or lifestyle factors.

An inherited condition in which numerous polyps (growths that protrude from mucous membranes) form on the inside walls of the colon and rectum. It increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Also called familial adenomatous polyposis and familial polyposis.

A test to check for blood in the stool. Small samples of stool are placed on special cards and sent to a doctor or laboratory for testing. Blood in the stool may be a sign of colorectal cancer. Also called FOBT.

Traditional health insurance where you and your plan each pay a portion of your health expenses, usually after a yearly deductible is met. In most cases, you can choose any physician, hospital or other provider. May also be called ain indemnity plan.

A common condition marked by benign (noncancerous) changes in breast tissue. These changes may include irregular lumps or cysts, breast discomfort, sensitive nipples, and itching. These symptoms may change throughout the menstrual cycle and usually stop after menopause. Also called benign breast disease, fibrocystic breast changes, and mammary dysplasia.

A benign smooth-muscle tumor, usually in the uterus or gastrointestinal tract. Also called leiomyoma.

The removal of tissue or fluid with a thin needle for examination under a microscope. Also called FNA biopsy.

The first treatment for a disease or condition. In patients with cancer, primary treatment can be surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these therapies. Also called primary therapy and primary treatment.

A laboratory technique used to look at genes or chromosomes in cells and tissues. Pieces of DNA that contain a fluorescent dye are made in the laboratory and added to cells or tissues on a glass slide. When these pieces of DNA bind to specific genes or areas of chromosomes on the slide, they light up when viewed under a microscope with a special light. Also called fluorescence in situ hybridization.

An FSA allows an employee to set aside a portion of his or her earnings to pay for qualified medical expenses. Money deducted from an employee's pay into an FSA is not subject to payroll taxes. FSA accounts can be used to by for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance for the employee's health plan, but may also include expenses not covered by the health plan, such as dental and vision expenses and over-the-counter drugs.

A laboratory technique used to look at genes or chromosomes in cells and tissues. Pieces of DNA that contain a fluorescent dye are made in the laboratory and added to cells or tissues on a glass slide. When these pieces of DNA bind to specific genes or areas of chromosomes on the slide, they light up when viewed under a microscope with a special light. Also called FISH.

A test to check for blood in the stool. Small samples of stool are placed on special cards and sent to a doctor or laboratory for testing. Blood in the stool may be a sign of colorectal cancer. Also called Fecal occult blood test.

Monitoring a person's health over time after treatment. This includes keeping track of the health of people who participate in a clinical study or clinical trial for a period of time, both during the study and after the study ends.

Flexible spending account. An FSA allows an employee to set aside a portion of his or her earnings to pay for qualified medical expenses. Money deducted from an employee's pay into an FSA is not subject to payroll taxes. FSA accounts can be used to by for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance for the employee's health plan, but may also include expenses not covered by the health plan, such as dental and vision expenses and over-the-counter drugs.