Describes a lesion or growth that does not appear healthy, or normal. An abnormal lesion or growth may be cancer, premalignant (likely to become cancer) or benign (not cancer).

A measure of the risk of a certain event happening. In cancer research, an example of an 'absolute risk' can include the statistical likelihood that a cancer-free person of a given age will develop that cancer over a certain period of time. For example, a woman 35 years of age with no known risk factors for breast cancer has a 13.5 percent absolute risk of getting breast cancer, over a lifetime of 90 years.

An abbreviation for a chemotherapy combination treatment used in breast cancer. It contains doxorubicin hydrochloride (Adriamycin) and cyclophosphamide, followed by treatment with paclitaxel (Taxol). Also called AC-T and AC-Taxol regimen.

An abbreviation for a chemotherapy combination treatment in breast cancer. It contains doxorubicin hydrochloride (Adriamycin) and cyclophosphamide, followed by treatment with paclitaxel (Taxol). Also called AC-T and AC-T regimen.

A type of radiation therapy given only to the part of the breast that has cancer in it. Accelerated partial-breast irradiation gives a higher dose over a shorter time than is given in standard whole-breast radiation therapy. Accelerated partial-breast irradiation may be given with internal or external sources of radiation. Also called partial-breast irradiation.

A specific spot on the body where an acupuncture needle may be inserted to control pain and other symptoms. Also called acupuncture point.

A type of complementary or integrative medicine, meaning a treatment used in addition to standard therapies. Treatment with acupuncture involves inserting thin needles through the skin at specific points on the body to control pain or make other symptoms of breast cancer treatment or of the disease itself go away. Some women affected by breast cancer find it useful in controlling nausea and other side effects of chemotherapy treatment.

Using mild electric currents on certain acupuncture points (spots on the body where an acupuncture needle may be inserted to control pain and other symptoms) on the skin. It is being studied in the treatment of dry mouth caused by radiation therapy for cancer. Also called acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ALTENS).

A person trained in acupuncture, a therapy that uses thin needles inserted through the skin at specific points on the body to control pain and other symptoms. Acupuncture is a type of complementary medicine.

Pain that comes on quickly and can be severe but lasts a short time.

A type of cancer that starts in gland tissue, or tissue that makes and secretes a substance. The ducts and lobules of the breast are gland tissues because they make breast milk, so cancers starting in these areas are often called adenocarcinomas.

A disease or abnormal change in a gland. Breast adenosis is a benign condition in which the lobules are larger than usual.

Another treatment used together with the primary treatment. Its purpose is to assist the primary treatment. Also called adjunctive therapy.

Cancer treatment given after surgery to lower the risk that the breast cancer will come back. Adjuvant therapy may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy or biological therapy.

A registered nurse with additional education and training in how to diagnose and treat disease. Advanced practice nurses are licensed by the state and certified by national nursing organizations. In cancer care, an advanced practice nurse may manage the primary care of an individual and her or his family, based on a practice agreement with a doctor. Also called APN, NP, and nurse practitioner.

Physical activity that increases the heart rate and the body's use of oxygen. It helps improve physical fitness. Aerobic exercise has been shown to help with treatment-related fatigue and insomnia. Exercise during breast cancer treatment has been shown to improve self-esteem and is being studied for its effectiveness in helping with other side effects such as chemobrain, or problems with thinking and memory.

Something that worsens a condition. For example, diagnosis of breast cancer tends to be an aggravating factor in insomnia, and hot weather can be an aggravating factor for the existing condition of lymphedema.

A system developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer in which TNM is used to describe the extent of cancer in the body. T describes the size of the tumor and whether it has invaded nearby tissue. N describes whether cancer has traveled to nearby lymph nodes, and M describes whether cancer has metastasized (spread to distant parts of the body, such as the bone, liver, lungs or brain). Also called TNM staging system.

A type of medicine used in cancer treatment. It interferes with cell DNA and blocks cancer cell growth.

Another term for 'mainstream medicine,' also called biomedicine, conventional medicine, orthodox medicine, and Western medicine. Allopathic medicine is the system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals treat symptoms and diseases using medicines, radiation, or surgery.

A medicine used as a chemoprotective agent to control some of the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Also called amitriptyline hydrochloride, and referred to by the brand names Elavil, Endep or Vanatrip. A tricyclic antidepressant medicine used to treat depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and pain. It is used to treat nerve pain following breast cancer treatment.

A medicine that reduces pain. Analgesics include aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), among others.

Brand name: Arimidex. An anticancer drug that is used to slow or stop estrogen production that hormone-sensitive tumors need to grow. It is a type of nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor, and is used in the treatment of early-stage breast cancer.

A condition in which the number of red blood cells in the body is below healthy levels. Anemia can be a side effect of chemotherapy.

A doctor who specializes in giving medicines or other agents to prevent or relieve pain during surgery or other procedures being done in the hospital.

A substance that may prevent the formation of blood vessels. In anticancer therapy, an angiogenesis inhibitor may prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow.

A type of antibiotic that comes from certain types of Streptomyces bacteria. Anthracyclines are used to treat many types of cancer by damaging the DNA in cancer cells, causing them to die. Daunorubicin, doxorubicin, and epirubicin are anthracyclines.

A vaccine made of antibodies that see other antibodies as the antigen and bind to it. Anti-idiotype vaccines can stimulate the body to produce antibodies against tumor cells.

Treatment with an antibody, a substance that can directly kill specific tumor cells or stimulate the immune system to kill tumor cells.

Describes a drug or effect that works against cachexia, the loss of body weight and muscle mass caused by illnesses such as cancer.

Treatment to stop or prevent cancer.

A medicine used manage symptoms of depression and anxiety that may be caused by some breast cancer treatments. Some antidepressants - paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine (Prozac), and bupropion (Wellbutrin) - may interact with breast cancer treatments like tamoxifen, prescribed to reduce the risk of breast cancer returning in those with hormone-positive cancers.

A substance that keeps cells from making or using estrogen, the female sex hormone. Antiestrogens may stop some cancer cells from growing and are used to prevent and treat breast cancer. An antiestrogen is a type of hormone antagonist. Also called estrogen blocker.

A vaccine made of antigens and antigen-presenting cells (APCs). APCs boost an immune response by presenting antigens on their surfaces to other cells of the immune system. Also called APC vaccine. APC vaccines are being tested for treatment of breast cancer.

A medicine similar to natural chemicals in a healthy biochemical reaction in cells, but different enough to interfere with the normal division and functions of cells.

Blocking the formation of neoplasms (growths that may become cancer).

Feelings of fear, dread and uneasiness that may occur as a reaction to stress. A person with anxiety may sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heartbeat. Extreme anxiety that happens often over time may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

A medicine used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment. It is a type of serotonin receptor antagonist and a type of antiemetic. Also called dolasetron mesylate.

A type of gland that is found in the skin, breast, eyelid and ear. Apocrine glands in the breast secrete fat droplets into breast milk.

A medicine used together with other medicines to prevent and control nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment and that occurs after surgery. It is a type of antiemetic and a type of substance P/neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist. Also called Emend.

Brand name for exemestane. A medicine used to treat advanced breast cancer and to prevent recurrent breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have already been treated with tamoxifen. Aromasin causes a decrease in the amount of estrogen made by the body. It is a type of aromatase inhibitor.

A type of complementary medicine that uses plant oils that give off strong pleasant aromas (smells) to promote relaxation, a sense of well-being and healing.

Abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen that may cause swelling. In late-stage cancer, tumor cells may be found in the fluid in the abdomen. Malignant ascites can form as a result of cancer of the breast, as well as other cancers.

In medical practice, the removal of fluid or tissue through a needle.

Weakness; lack of energy and strength.

A benign (not cancerous) condition in which there are more cells than normal in the lining of breast ducts and the cells look abnormal under a microscope. Having atypical ductal hyperplasia increases the risk of breast cancer. Also called ADH and atypical ductal breast hyperplasia.

State of being not typical or normal. In medicine, atypia is an abnormality in cells in tissue.

The act of staying away from people, places, and thoughts that may cause anxiety, pain, or unpleasant feelings. Some types of cancer-related avoidance include refusing to accept a cancer diagnosis or to get treatment, and using alcohol or other drugs to forget about having cancer, all of which are harmful.