Active Treatment
Treatment for cancer that aims to cure or control the disease.

Accupuncture
Traditional chinese medicine believes that Chi, or energy, flows through a network of channels in the body known as meridians. When these energy channels become blocked, health problem can occur.

Analgesia
Treatment to reduce pain (the drugs used are called analgesics)

Anorexia
Loss or lack of appetite for food caused by such things as feelings of sickness (nausea), unpleasant smells or unattractive surroundings.

Anti-pressure equipment
Special cushions and mattresses that help to prevent pressure sores or bed sores.

Aromatherapy
A complementary therapy that uses essential oils prepared from plant. Each essential oil has different properties. Some are stimulating and some have specific healing properties. They are often used in massage and can be used at home in the bath, in special oil burners or as inhalations.

Art therapy
Art therapy encourages people to express their feelings through working with art materials. This can involve different techniques such as drawing, painting or modelling.

Assessment
An assessment is when someone discusses your health needs and/or your social needs with you in order to plan care and services to meet those needs, eg a social worker or health professional assessment.

Asymptomatic
Literally means ‘without symptoms’. A disease that does not have symptoms can be difficult to detect, as there may be no indication that there is a problem, and it may not show up during a routine medical examination.