American College of Radiology (ACR) Accreditation – Equipment, professional expertise and quality control for mammography services which meet standards set by the ACR.
Baseline Mammogram – A first mammogram which includes two views of each breast and is used for comparison with future mammograms.
Bereavement - The experience of losing a loved one.
Biopsy – Surgical removal, using a large-gauge needle, of a small portion of tissue for diagnosis.
Breast Cancer Support Group – Peer or professionally-guided meetings for breast cancer survivors, people undergoing treatment for breast cancer and/or their families.
Breast Prosthesis – Artificial substitute for an absent breast.
Breast Reconstruction – Surgical reconstruction of a breast after removal of breast tissue.
Breast Self-Examination (BSE) – A technique to examine one’s own breasts by looking and feeling for changes.
Chemotherapy – Treatment of cancer with certain drugs that are poisonous to cancer cells.
Clinical Breast Exam – Examination by a trained health professional of the breasts and surrounding areas, conducted by touch and sight.
Clinical Trials – Carefully designed and monitored studies of new methods of treating or preventing cancer.
Complementary Therapies – Treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, massage, meditation, art, dance or nutrition which may reduce stress and/or boost the immune system. Often used along with traditional medical treatment.
Computerized Tomography (CT) – Cross-sectional x-rays which detect or monitor tissue abnormalities.
Counseling – Treatment of emotional discomfort through the use of psychological techniques which encourage communication of conflict, insight into problems and personal growth.
Detection - Finding abnormalities or disease.
Family Support Services – Counseling and/or support groups for the families or caregivers of cancer patients.
Financial Assistance – Direct assistance or referral to appropriate sources which may provide financial counseling or direct monetary support for medical procedures and treatments.
Genetic Risk Counseling – Education, information and discussion of genetic factors which may put certain family members at risk for inheriting the potential to develop breast cancer.
Hormone Therapy – Treatment of some cancers that are known to stabilize or shrink if certain hormones are administered, removed or blocked.
Hospice – A philosophy and delivery of care emphasizing comfort, peace of mind and control of symptoms, usually invoked when life expectancy is short. Available to cancer patients, families and friends.
Hotline – Telephone service staffed by knowledgeable individuals to deliver specialized referral information.
Internet – A worldwide network of computers that can communicate with each other.
Lumpectomy – Surgical removal of a cancerous lump and surrounding tissue without removing the entire breast.
Lymphedema – Swelling of arms and legs caused by bulky tumors, surgery or radiation. It can be seen after an axillary node dissection.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – A method of creating three-dimensional images of the body using a magnet and radio waves, instead of x-rays.
Mammography – A low-dose x-ray, which usually includes two views of each breast, used to detect abnormalities.
Mastectomy – Surgical removal of all of the breast and sometimes underlying muscles and lymph nodes.
Medicaid – A federal program that reimburses hospitals and doctors for providing health care to qualifying people who cannot afford medical expenses.
Medicare – A program under the U.S. Social Security Administration that reimburses doctors and hospitals for health care provided to qualified patients over 65 years of age or qualified disabled.
Metastasis – The spread of cancer out of the primary site into far-away organs such as bone, liver, lung and brain.
Nutritional Support - Medically-developed and supervised diets for use by cancer patients during treatment.
Oncology/Oncologist - Oncology is the study, diagnosis and treatment of cancer; an oncologist is a physician who specializes in the treatment of cancer.
Patient Information and Education – Brochures, pamphlets, videos, posters, classes or workshops to educate cancer patients on disease, treatment options, stress-reduction and/or recovery plans.
Physical Therapy - Treatment by physical methods such as massage and exercise after surgery, treatment or injury to restore strength and range of motion.
Post-Operative Apparel – Swimsuits, bras and lingerie specially designed for use after breast surgery.
Primary Care Provider – The physician or other health care provider whom a patient identifies as the main source of her general medical care.
Radiation Therapy – Treatment by x-ray machines delivering high-energy beams directed at the breast. It is commonly used to reduce the size of tumors or the risk that the tumor would come back in the breast.
Reach to Recovery – A free American Cancer Society program in which specially-trained breast cancer survivors visit recently-diagnosed breast cancer patients.
Referral – Directing individuals to service providers, such as specialists or support groups.
Road to Recovery- A free American Cancer Society service provided by local volunteers to assist in the transportation needs of cancer patients to and from medical appointments.
Second Opinion- Examination of a patient or a patient’s records by another physician for treatment recommendations.
Spiritual Counseling- A system of support that focuses on the individual’s soul and spirit.
Stereotactic Biopsy- Removal of small samples of breast tissue for microscopic evaluation using a hollow needle which is precisely guided to the correct location via x-rays and computer coordinates.
Tumor Board- A panel of experts in radiology, oncology, surgery and/ or pathology that makes treatment recommendations.
Tumor Registry- A system designed for the collection, management and analysis of information about patients with a diagnosis of cancer.
Ultrasound- Non-invasive medical imaging that uses high-frequency sound waves to generate images of the body.
Web Site- A specific address or location on the Internet.
