Glossary

B

Biopsy:

a test in which cells or a piece of tissue is removed and examined by a pathologist

Breast self-exam:

a step-by-step check a woman can do to find changes to her own breasts

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C

CT scan:

a test that takes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body from different angles; also called computed tomography scan

Cancer risk factors:

things that may increase the chance of getting cancer. These risk factors may change for each type of cancer. Some risk factors can be controlled, such as drinking alcohol, and some cannot, such as a family history of cancer

Cancer survivorship:

how someone lives through a cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as beyond treatment

Chemotherapy:

medicine that helps kill cancer cells

Clinical trial:

a study used to find out more about how new treatments work, such as how safe they are and for which types of people they may work best. The results of clinical trials help doctors learn how to prevent, detect, and treat cancer

Complementary medicine:

treatments used along with a prescribed treatment to help the person with cancer feel better. They may include meditation to reduce stress, acupuncture to lessen pain, or herbal tea to reduce nausea

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D

Ducts:

the tubes in the breast that carry milk from the lobules to the nipples

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G

Gynecologist:

a doctor who treats problems with female reproductive organs

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H

Hormone therapy:

treatment that prevents the body's hormones from helping cancer cells to grow

Hospice:

A type of palliative care that is given when the person with cancer is near the end of his or her life

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L

Lobes:

sections of the breast; a woman's breast usually has 15 to 20 lobes

Lobules:

where milk is made in the breast

Lymph nodes:

found in the armpit, above the collarbone, and behind the breastbone, as well as other places in the body

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M

MRI:

a test that uses radio waves and a powerful magnet to show a detailed picture of areas the inside the body; also called magnetic resonance imaging

Mammogram:

an x-ray test used to find disease or cancer in the breast. Often, this test can find a lump before it can be felt

Medical oncologist:

a doctor who diagnoses and treats cancer and is often the main healthcare provider for someone with cancer. A medical oncologist may also give supportive or palliative care and work with other healthcare providers who are caring for the person with cancer

Metastatic cancer:

cancer that has spread from one part of the body to another

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N

Nipple:

part of the breast where milk comes out

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O

Oncologist:

a doctor who diagnoses and treats cancer

Oncology nurse:

a nurse who cares for people who have cancer

Oncology social worker:

a healthcare professional who helps people with cancer cope with their feelings and learn about helpful resources, such as support groups, home care, and financial aid

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P

Palliative care:

care given to someone with cancer to help comfort him or her. It is often given by a specialist on the care team. It can help treat the symptoms and side effects of the cancer and its treatment. It can also give emotional, spiritual, and social support

Pathologist:

a doctor who examines tissue taken from the body during a biopsy. He or she will also write a report, called a pathology report, that can help tell the stage of the tumor

Pathology report:

the report written by a pathologist that tells the results of the biopsy and helps the doctor tell the stage of the tumor

PET scan:

a test in which a small amount of radioactive sugar is injected into a vein. A machine then takes detailed pictures of areas inside the body; also called positron emission tomography scan

Plastic surgeon:

a doctor who is an expert in breast reconstruction

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R

Radiation oncologist:

a doctor who uses radiation to treat cancer

Radiation therapy:

treatment in which high-energy rays are used to help kill cancer cells

Registered dietitian:

a healthcare provider who helps people improve or maintain a healthy diet and nutrition

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S

Staging:

used to learn the extent of a person's cancer, such as whether it has spread to other parts of the body. The stage of the tumor will help a healthcare provider make a treatment plan

Surgeon:

a doctor who operates to remove or repair a part of the body that has been affected by cancer

Survivorship plan:

a plan that can help people with cancer and their families prepare for situations they may face now or in the future. This plan might include the person's medical history, the treatment he or she is getting or has received, when office visits should be scheduled, and even a healthy-lifestyle journal

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U

Ultrasound:

a test that uses high-energy sound waves to show a picture of a person's organs or tissues

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