Online Books > Helping People Cope: A Guide For Families Facing Cancer

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Endometrium--The inner mucous membrane that forms the uterine wall. Endometrial cancer generally affects women between 50- and 64-years-old .

Endoscopy--Any procedure that uses a hollow tubelike instrument to visualize and biopsy otherwise inaccessible areas of the body, such as the esophagus, stomach, colon, bladder or lung.

Enterostomal Therapist--A health professional trained to assist patients in the proper care of stomas--openings in the abdominal wall created to remove wastes.

Epidemiology--Study of disease incidence and distribution in populations, as well as the relationship between environment and disease. Cancer epidemiology studies how physical surroundings, occupational hazards and personal habits (smoking, diet and life-style) may contribute to the development of cancer.

Erythroplasia--Red lesions, grainy or smooth, on the mucous membranes of the mouth, which may indicate an early cancer.

Esophageal Speech--An acquired technique of speaking used by laryngectomees who have had their voice boxes removed. Air is expelled from the esophagus, thus vibrating the walls of the pharynx and esophagus to produce sound.

Estrogen--A female hormone secreted by the ovaries, which is essential for menstruation, reproduction and the development of secondary sex characteristics, such as breasts. Some patients with breast cancer are given estrogen to inhibit tumor growth.

Etiology--Study of the causes of disease. In cancer, there are probably multiple etiologies.

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