A – F
Acupuncture (5.1.4) – a common TCM practice that involves stimulating certain body parts to improve the flow of qi (vital energy) through the body and, therefore, improve overall mental, physical, and spiritual health (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Advance care planning (11.1.1) – the process of thinking about, discussing, deciding, and recording a person’s health wishes while they are still sound of mind (BC Centre for Palliative Care, n.d.).
Antioxidants (3.3.3) – a nutrient that protects cells during natural processes that occur in the body (American Cancer Society, 2022c).
Aromatherapy (5.1.4) – a CAM that uses the scents from essential oils to improve health (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Art therapy (5.1.4) – a CAM way of healing involving expressing emotions, such as fear, anger, and sadness, through creativity (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Autologous reconstruction (2.3.3) – a type of breast reconstruction surgery that creates a new breast by taking tissues from other parts of the body (Canadian Breast Cancer Network [CBCN], 2022).
Axillary lymph node dissection (2.2.8) – a type of lymph node removal that removes the lymph nodes in the armpit (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Ayurveda (5.1.3) – a spiritual practice from India that focuses on cleansing the body and bringing balance to the body, spirit, and mind (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Biofeedback (5.1.4) – a mind-body CAM therapy that utilizes special machines to control bodily functions that a person usually cannot control easily, such as blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, and muscle tension (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Biopsy (1.3.5) – a diagnostic test involving the removal of a small part of the breast tissue so that a pathologist can determine if the lump is benign or malignant (CBCN, 2022).
Blood clot (2.5.3) – a small clump of blood that can develop in the legs or lungs after breast-conserving surgery (Cancer Research UK, 2020).
Blood test (1.3.8) – a diagnostic test that uses extracted blood to determine the person’s baseline health (Canadian Cancer Society, n.d.r).
Body image (7.3.2) – how a person feels about their body (University Health Network, 2019).
Breast cancer gene (BRCA) (1.1.4) – a tumour-suppressor gene that helps prevent uncontrollable cancer growth (CBCN, 2022).
Breast cancer recurrence (6.2.1) – occurs when the person has had breast cancer, they go into remission, and then the breast cancer returns (CBCN, n.d.a).
Breast density (1.1.3) – the amount of fibroglandular tissue compared to fatty tissue in the breast tissue (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022b).
Breast implants (2.3.3) – a type of breast reconstruction surgery that inserts a silicone casing filled with salt water or silicone gel under the chest muscle (CBCN, 2022).
Breast prosthetics (3.4.1) – an artificial breast that can fit into a bra or swimsuit to recreate a natural breast shape (CBCN, 2022).
Breast reconstruction surgery (2.3.1) – an optional surgery that can be done immediately or later on after a mastectomy, depending on the breast cancer stage (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Breast self-examination (1.2.2) – a monthly process where a person examines their breasts to check for changes (Healthwise Staff, 2022).
Breast tissue (1.1.1) – the fibrous, glandular, and fatty tissues that make up the breasts and most of the chest (CBCN, 2022; CDC, 2022a).
Breast-conserving surgery (2.2.2) – a surgery that removes the tumour and some of the surrounding tissue from a breast (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Cannabinoids (5.1.7) – an extract made from the chemicals in a cannabis plant that is used to manage the side effects that occur during breast cancer treatment (BC Cancer, n.d.5).
Carbohydrates (3.3.3) – a nutrient that the body uses as a source of energy for physical activities and keeping its organs functioning (American Cancer Society, 2022c).
Chemo brain (9.2.6) – a type of cognitive impairment that often occurs during or after certain breast cancer treatments, like chemotherapy (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b).
Chemotherapy (2.7.1) – a systematic breast cancer treatment that uses medications to weaken and eliminate cancer cells (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Chemotherapy port (2.7.3) – a small medical device implanted under the skin of either the chest or upper arm that makes it easier to receive regular doses of intravenous chemotherapy drugs (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Clinical breast examination (1.2.3) – a process where a healthcare provider examines a person’s breast visually and physically to check for abnormalities (Canadian Cancer Society, n.d.i).
Clinical trial (2.8.2) – an experimental study that attempts to improve current breast cancer treatments or create new ones (CBCN, 2022).
Cognitive impairment (9.2.6) – when a person has problems with memory, concentration, and ability to think (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b).
Cold therapy (5.1.4) – a CAM therapy that uses a cold object, like an ice pack, to help numb pain in a specific area (Healthwise Staff, 2023c).
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) (5.1.1) – health and wellness practices that are not necessarily included in standardized medical care (National Cancer Institute, 2023b).
Complex decongestive therapy (4.2.1) – a lymphedema treatment that involves manually draining lymph fluid buildup through compression, exercises, skincare, and education (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Compression bandaging (4.2.3) – a lymphedema treatment that involves wrapping the affected arm in layers all the way from the hand to the armpit to evenly distribute the pressure that can occur with lymphedema and move stagnant lymph in the arm into lymph nodes that still function properly (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Compression garment (4.2.3) – a lymphedema treatment that involves wearing sleeve over the affected arm during specific activities or all the time (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Compression pump (4.2.3) – a device used in intermittent pneumatic compression therapy that involves using air movement to create a massage-like effect over the affected area (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Core needle biopsy (1.3.5) – a type of needle biopsy that uses a hollow needle with a syringe to remove a cylinder of tissue from the lump (CBCN, 2022).
Counselling (9.3.4) – a service where the person talks with a trained professional to help process complex emotions and feelings (BC Cancer, n.d.13).
Depression (7.1.2) – a mental illness that is similar to sadness, but lasts longer and impairs the person’s everyday life (National Cancer Institute, 2018).
Diagnostic testing (1.3.1) – various procedures that determine whether the problem is cancer and the cancer stage (Canadian Cancer Society, n.d.r).
Diffuse optical tomography (1.3.7) – a type of imaging test that uses low-intensity near-infrared light view to both breasts simultaneously (Altoe, M.L. et al., 2019).
Ductography (galatography) (1.3.6) – a type of x-ray that examines the breast ducts to find out why abnormal nipple discharge is occurring (Canadian Cancer Society, n.d.r).
Energy medicine (biofield therapy) (5.1.5) – a spiritual CAM therapy that focuses on changing how vital energy flows through your body to improve your health and well-being (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Excisional biopsy (1.3.5) – a type of surgical biopsy that removes the whole lump along with some surrounding tissue (Canadian Cancer Society, n.d.r).
Fat (3.3.3) – a nutrient that the body stores to use as a source of energy (American Cancer Society, 2022c).
Fatigue (9.2.5) – a type of exhaustion that is not improved by sleeping, resting, or other energizing activities (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b).
Fertility (7.3.1) – the ability to either get pregnant, bring a pregnancy to term, or get someone else pregnant (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b).
Fine needle biopsy (1.3.5) – a type of needle biopsy that uses a fine needle with a syringe to extract the fluid, tissue, or cells of the abnormal lump (CBCN, 2022).
G – N
Genetic testing (1.3.9) – a screening or diagnostic test that can identify if the person is at risk of developing breast cancer or provide insight into what genes are contributing to breast cancer (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Grading (1.4.5) – a process that determines the aggressiveness of the breast cancer (CBCN, 2022).
Guided imagery (5.1.4) – a mind-body CAM therapy that involves visualizing different things that improve health (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Heat therapy (5.1.4) – a CAM therapy that involves using a hot water bottle or heating pad to help with sore muscles (Healthwise Staff, 2023).
Hereditary gene (1.1.4) – a gene that is inherited from the person’s parents (CBCN, 2022).
Hormonal therapy (2.6.5) – a breast cancer treatment used when the cancer is hormone-receptor positive that involves changing the body’s hormone levels or blocking the receptors from being stimulated (CBCN, 2022).
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) (1.1.4) – a gene that controls how many HER2 receptors are available on a cell’s surface (CBCN, 2022).
Hypnotherapy (Hypnosis) (5.1.4) – a mind-body CAM therapy that involves putting the person in a trance-like state that helps them to navigate their feelings, behaviours, and thoughts (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Incision drain (2.4.5) – a medical device put in place after a lymph node removal to remove excess fluid from the wound to promote faster healing (Boudarra et al., 2020).
Incision dressing (2.4.4) – a cover for an incision to prevent infection and collect any fluid that may leak out (Boudarra et al., 2020).
Incisional biopsy (1.3.5) – a type of surgical biopsy that only removes a small part of the lump (Canadian Cancer Society, n.d.r).
Incontinence (9.2.3) – the inability to control bladder and or bowel functions (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b).
Intimacy (7.3.3) – includes hugging, kissing, cuddling, and love (University Health Network, 2019).
Intravenous – receiving medication directly into the bloodstream (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Local treatment – a treatment method that only affects the tumour and not the rest of the body (CBCN, 2022).
Long-term side effect (9.2) – a side effect that continues to occur after treatment has ended (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b).
Lumpectomy (2.2.3) – a surgery that involves removing a tumour that is less than 4 cm in size and has clear, defined margins along with some of the surrounding tissue from a breast (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Lymph node removal (2.2.8) – a surgical procedure involving the removal of a person’s lymph nodes to determine if the cancer has spread (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Lymphedema (2.5.2, 4.1.1) – a chronic condition that involves swelling in the arms or chest caused by lymph fluid buildup (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (1.3.4) – a diagnostic test done as a follow-up to a mammogram that can help determine breast cancer stage (American Cancer Society, 2022a).
Mammography (1.3.2) – a type of x-ray that looks for changes in the breasts that can occur with breast cancer (CBCN, 2022).
Manual lymphatic drainage (4.2.2) – a lymphedema treatment that involves massaging the areas where the lymph fluid builds up to help that fluid continue circulating (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Massage therapy (5.1.4) – a CAM therapy that involves kneading and rubbing soft tissues and muscles to help alleviate the physical symptoms of cancer (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012; National Cancer Institute, 2022).
Mastectomy (2.2.4) – a type of breast-conserving surgery done when radiation therapy is not feasible or wanted (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Medical cannabis (marijuana) (5.1.7) – an extract made from the physical components of a cannabis plant that is used to manage the side effects that occur during breast cancer treatment (BC Cancer, n.d.5).
Meditation (5.1.5) – a CAM spiritual practice that focuses on breathing and specific words to help deal with stressful situations and feelings (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012; National Cancer Institute, 2023b).
Menopause (9.2.7) – when someone stops having periods and the ovaries stop producing estrogen (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b).
Modified radical mastectomy (2.2.6) – a type of mastectomy involving removing the whole breast, nipple, and some of the surrounding tissue while preserving the chest muscles and nerves (CBCN, 2022).
Music therapy (5.1.4) – a CAM therapy that involves listening to music or playing musical instruments to express emotions, improve mood, and encourage socialization (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Neuropathy (9.2.8) – nerve damage that causes numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands or feet, which can eventually lead to difficulty walking, balancing, driving, eating, and completing other tasks (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b).
O – Z
Osteoporosis (9.2.9) – a medical condition related to a loss of bone mass that weakens bones and causes them to break more easily (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b).
Ovarian ablation (2.6.7) – a breast cancer treatment that induces an irreversible menopause by either surgically removing the ovaries or using radiation therapy on them (Canadian Cancer Society, n.d.z).
Ovarian suppression (2.6.7) – a breast cancer treatment that causes a temporary menopause by using medications over a long period of time (Canadian Cancer Society, n.d.z).
Palliative care (11.1.2) – a type of care that looks at improving quality of life if the person has a serious illness that they are unlikely to recover from (Interior Health, n.d.b).
Partial prosthesis (3.4.1) – a breast prosthetic worn in either a regular or mastectomy bra that is used if the person had breast-conserving surgery that removed a lot of breast tissue (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Pathology report (1.4.1) – a document that provides information on a cancerous tumour, including the type, stage, and grade (BC Cancer, n.d.12).
Permanent prosthesis (3.4.1) – a breast prosthetic that can be glued to the chest or fitting into a regular bra to resemble a normal breast as much as possible (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Photodynamic therapy (2.8.1) – a breast cancer treatment that uses light to target a local area (Ostańska et al., 2021).
Prophylactic mastectomy (2.2.7) – a type of breast cancer prevention done if the person has numerous breast cancer risk factors (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Protein (3.3.3) – a nutrient that helps the body repair tissues, grow, and maintain its immune system (American Cancer Society, 2022c).
Radiation therapy (2.6.1) – a localized cancer treatment that damages DNA within cancer cells to prevent them from multiplying and the cancer from growing (CBCN, 2022).
Radical mastectomy (2.2.6) – a type of mastectomy involving removing the whole breast, nipple, and some of the surrounding tissue along with some lymph nodes under the arm, some nerves, and the chest muscles (CBCN, 2022).
Screening (1.2.1) – the process of checking for a disease, such as breast cancer, when no symptoms are shown (Canadian Cancer Society, n.d.10).
Second (new) cancer (9.2.10) – when a person develops another type of cancer besides breast cancer (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b).
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (2.2.8) – a type of lymph node removal that only removes the lymph nodes (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Seroma (2.5.1) – a pocket of fluid that collects under the skin (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Sexuality (7.3.3) – includes sexual behaviour, thoughts, wants, and feelings (University Health Network, 2019).
Side effect – an unintended effect on healthy tissues or organs caused by cancer treatment (National Cancer Institute, n.d.c).
Social worker (9.3.3) – a professional that helps a person navigate the complex systems surrounding healthcare by connecting them to social supports, community programs, and other related services (Interior Health, n.d.g).
Spirituality (7.1.8) – a practice that can be incorporated into a person’s life to give meaning to situations, encourage healing from illness, provide a new outlook on life, and determine what they value (Leão et al., 2021).
Staging (1.4.2) – a variety of factors that determine the breast cancer stage (National Cancer Institute, 2022a).
Supplement (9.1.2) – a product containing vitamins and minerals that the person is unable to get through their diet to improve overall health (BC Cancer, 2022b).
Support groups (10.2.3) – a safe space to express your feelings and talk about your experiences with people who have gone through a similar experience (CBCN, 2018).
Support system (10.2.2) – a group of people that a person can rely on for help and support when needed (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Survival Rate (2.1.2) – a statistic that represents the likelihood of a person surviving cancer (Canadian Cancer Society, n.d.14).
Systematic treatment – a treatment method that involves taking medications orally or intravenously to affect all cancer cells in the body (CBCN, 2022).
Tai Chi (5.1.6) – a Chinese martial arts practice that involves moving the body slowly, meditating, and controlling breathing (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Targeted therapy (2.7.7) – a breast cancer treatment that targets cancer cell characteristics that cause the cancer to rapidly grow and change (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Temporary prosthesis (3.4.1) – a lightweight breast prosthetic that can be worn inside a bra or pinned to the inside of clothes (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Total mastectomy (2.2.5) – a type of mastectomy involving removing the whole breast, nipple, and some of the surrounding tissue while leaving the chest muscles, nearby lymph nodes, and nerves intact (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (5.1.3) – an CAM that encompasses a wide variety of practices, such as acupuncture and herbal therapy, that work to balance the person’s emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental health (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Triple assessment (1.4.6) – a standardized practice used to decrease the chance of error during the diagnostic process and give a more accurate assessment (Karim et al., 2020).
Ultrasound (1.3.3) – a non-invasive test is usually done as a follow-up to a mammogram that detects a lump in the breast (American Cancer Society, 2022b).
Wellness plan (9.1.1) – a plan created to determine how to stay healthy and lower risk of cancer recurrence (National Cancer Institute, 2018).
Yoga (5.1.6) – a physical activity that involves practicing mindfulness, stretching the body, and controlling breathing (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
