Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

cancer antigen 125
See 
CA 125.
cancer survivor
Someone who has received the
diagnosis of a potentially fatal form of cancer and is
thereby forced to face his or her own mortality.
cancer symptoms
Symptoms that may be associ-
ated with cancer, including changes in bowel or
bladder habits, a sore that does not heal, unusual
bleeding or discharge, thickening or a lump in the
breast or any other part of the body, indigestion or
difficulty swallowing, obvious change in a wart or
mole, and a nagging cough or hoarseness. These
symptoms are not always signs of cancer; they can
result from less serious conditions. Some forms of
cancer cause little or no discomfort until the disease
is far advanced, so it is important to see a physician
for regular checkups rather than wait for problems
to occur.
Candida albicans
A yeast-like fungal organism
found in small amounts in the normal human intes-
tinal tract. Normally kept in check by the body’s own
helpful bacteria, C. albicans can increase in num-
bers when this balance is disturbed causing can-
didiasis of the intestinal tract or yeast infections of
other parts of the body. See also 
candidiasis.
candidiasis
Disease caused by the yeast Candida
albicans. Candida albicans can cause vaginal yeast
infections, diaper rash, skin rashes that emerge in
moist, warm folds of skin, and thrush (white
patches inside the mouth and throat). Candidiasis
tends to develop when the normal balance of bacte-
ria is upset, as sometimes occurs with the use of
antibiotics. Prevention measures include the use of
probiotics, and in some cases, dietary changes.
Candidiasis can be treated with antifungal medica-
tions. Candidiasis is usually a minor and easily
addressed problem, but it can be an important
problem for those with immune-system disorders,
such as AIDS.
canker sore
A common small, frequently painful
and sensitive crater in the lining of the mouth. Also
known as aphthous ulcer. Sores typically last for 10
to 14 days and generally heal without scarring.
cannabis
Marijuana (Cannibis sativa), a drug
derived from the family of plants that includes
hemp. Cannabis can be smoked or eaten. Use of
cannabis produces a mild sense of euphoria, as well
as impairments in judgment and lengthened
response time. Although cannabis use is illegal in
most parts of the world, the plant appears to have
some potential for medical use, particularly as a
palliative for glaucoma and disease-related loss of
appetite and wasting, as is often seen in cancer,
AIDS, and other illnesses. In some areas of the US,
individuals whose physicians recommend the med-
ical use of cannabis can obtain special permission.