| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Biological therapies |
Biological therapies are drugs used to treat certain types of cancer cells. Biological therapies are sometimes called targeted therapies. |
| Biopsy |
Removal of cells or tissue from the body for examination under a microscope |
| Body image |
A person’s conception of and feelings about his or her body- its form, size, shape and the way it fits society’s norms. Self-esteem and sexuality are linked to body image. |
| Bone marrow |
The substance within the bones that makes different types of blood cells |
| BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene |
These are genes that normally prevent a woman developing breast or ovarian cancer. If a woman has a fault in one of these genes, she has a high chance of developing breast or ovarian cancer; although it does not mean that she is certain to develop cancer |
| Breast care nurse |
a specialised nurse who supports and cares for people throughout their breast cancer experience. |
| Breast care team |
Refers to the team of healthcare professionals involved in the provision of health care services to women with breast cancer and considering breast reconstruction. These health professionals may include a general practitioner (GP), breast surgeon/physician, anaesthetist, pathologist, radiologist, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, breast care nurse, breast reconstruction surgeon, physiotherapist, psychologist, counsellor and other allied healthcare professionals. |
| Breast conserving surgery |
Removal of the breast cancer and a small area of healthy tissue around it; also called a lumpectomy, complete local excision, partial mastectomy or wide local excision |
| Breast form |
See 'External breast prosthesis' |
| Breast physician |
A doctor working in the specialised area of diagnosis and management of benign and malignant breast disease. |
| Breast reconstruction surgeon |
A specialist doctor trained to undertake breast reconstructions. |
| breast reconstruction surgeons |
Specialist doctors trained to undertake breast reconstructions. |
| Breast refinement procedures |
Various surgical procedures that may be undertaken to improve the aesthetic outcome and symmetry of the breasts. |
| Breast surgeon |
A doctor who specialises in surgery to the breast including mastectomies and/or reconstructions. |
| CA125 |
A protein found in the blood. CA125 is known as a tumour or cancer marker as increased levels may indicate that ovarian cancer is present |