Cancer Australia

A glossary of terms covering all aspects of breast and ovarian cancer.

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D

Term Definition
Decongestive physiotherapy

A specialised type of physiotherapy used in the treatment of lymphoedema

Deep inferior epigastric perforator

A type of breast reconstruction using the blood vessels, fat and skin from the stomach

Delayed

Breast reconstruction undertaken in a different operation to a mastectomy. Delayed breast reconstruction may be undertaken at any time after a mastectomy.

Delayed breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction undertaken in a different operation to a mastectomy. Delayed breast reconstruction may be undertaken at any time after a mastectomy.

DIEP flap

A type of breast reconstruction using the blood vessels, fat and skin from the stomach

Diethylstilbestrol

A drug prescribed to women during the 1930s to 1970s to prevent miscarriage and treat other complications of pregnancy

Dietitian

A health professional who specialises in providing advice about what to eat

Disability-adjusted life years

Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are years of healthy life lost, either through premature death or through living with disability due to illness or injury. It is the basis unit used in burden of disease and injury estimates. [AIHW & AACR. Cancer in Australia: an overview, 2010]

Distress thermometer

A self-rating scale used to measure how distressed or upset a person is feeling

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

Non-invasive breast cancer that is confined to the ducts of the breast

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