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Glossary

Selected words and phrases

MSM – men who have sex with men.

free radical – a chemical produced after a molecular reaction, often containing oxygen, that has one ‘free’ unpaired electron on its outer surface. This makes it able to react and damage other cells, and perhaps increase progression of cardiovascular disease, cancers and aging. See antioxidant.

substitution therapy – using a prescription drug, eg methadone or buprenorphine, to stop using heroin.

sarcoma – medical term for cancer that affects bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, skin or other connective tissue.

Cancer: lymphoma and sarcoma.

interferon – see pegylated interferon.