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About Breast Cancer > Breast Cancer Resources > Free Educational Guides > Breast Cancer Glossary

  • What is Breast Cancer?
    • Understanding Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer Facts & Stats
    • Growth of Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer Risk Factors
    • Causes of Breast Cancer
    • Breast Anatomy
    • Breast Tumors
    • Breast Cancer Genetics
      • Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
      • BRCA: The Breast Cancer Gene
      • Other Breast Cancer Genes
      • What To Do If You Tested Positive
  • Early Detection
    • Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms
    • Breast Lump
    • Breast Pain
    • Breast Cyst
    • Breast Self-Exam
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    • Mammogram
    • How to Schedule a Mammogram
    • Healthy Habits
  • Diagnosis
    • Breast Cancer Screening
    • Diagnostic Mammogram
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  • Stages
    • Breast Cancer Stages
    • Stage 0
    • Stage 1 (Stage 1A and 1B)
    • Stage 2 (Stage 2A and 2B)
    • Stage 3 (Stage 3A, 3B, and 3C)
    • Stage 4
  • Types of Breast Cancer
    • Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
    • Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
    • Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
    • Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
    • Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
    • Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC)
    • Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
    • Other Types
    • Male Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer During Pregnancy
  • Treatment
    • Choosing Your Doctor
    • Surgery
      • Lumpectomy
      • Mastectomy
      • Lymph Node Removal & Lymphedema
      • Breast Reconstruction
    • Chemotherapy
    • Radiation Therapy
    • Hormone Therapy
    • Targeted Therapy
    • Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment and How to Manage Them
    • Standard Treatment vs. Clinical Trials
    • Physical Activity, Wellness & Nutrition
    • Follow-Up Care
    • Bone Health
  • Breast Cancer Myths
    • Myth: A breast injury can cause breast cancer
    • Myth: Breast cancer is more common in women with bigger breasts
    • Myth: Breast cancer only affects middle-aged or older women
    • Myth: Breast pain is a definite sign of breast cancer
    • Myth: Consuming sugar causes breast cancer
    • Myth: Carrying a phone in your bra can cause breast cancer
    • Myth: All breast cancers are the same
    • Myth: Bras with underwire can cause breast cancer
    • Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer
    • Myth: Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only
    • Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer or spread it
    • Myth: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop breast cancer, too
    • Myth: Breast cancer is contagious
    • Myth: If the gene mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2 is detected in your DNA, you will definitely develop breast cancer
    • Myth: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer
  • FAQs
    • Can physical activity reduce the risk of breast cancer?
    • Can a healthy diet help to prevent breast cancer?
    • Does smoking cause breast cancer?
    • Can drinking alcohol increase the risk of breast cancer?
    • Is there a link between oral contraceptives and breast cancer?
    • Is there a link between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer?
    • How often should I do a breast self exam (BSE)?
    • Does a family history of breast cancer put someone at a higher risk?
    • Are mammograms painful?
    • How does menstrual and reproductive history affect breast cancer risks?
    • How often should I go to my doctor for a check-up?
    • What kind of impact does stress have on breast cancer?
    • What celebrities have or have had breast cancer?
    • Where can I find a breast cancer support group?
    • Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer?
    • Is dairy (milk) linked to a higher risk of breast cancer?
    • Is hair dye linked to a higher risk of breast cancer?
  • Free Educational Guides
    • NEW! Glossary of Common Breast Cancer Terms
    • 5 Ingredient Healthy Meals Cookbook
    • 3 Steps to Early Detection Guide
    • Healthy Living & Personal Risk Guide
    • Male Breast Cancer: What Men Need to Know
    • Just Diagnosed with Breast Cancer… Now What?
    • Smart Bites Cookbook:
      7 Wholesome Recipes in 35 Minutes (or Less!)
    • Weekly Healthy Living Tips: Volume 2
    • Most Asked Questions: Breast Cancer Signs & Symptoms
    • Cancer Caregiver Guide
    • Breast Cancer Surgery eBook
    • 10 Prompts to Mindfulness
    • How to Talk About Breast Health
    • Family Medical History Checklist
    • Healthy Recipes for Cancer Patients eBook
    • Chemo Messages
    • Most Asked Questions About Breast Cancer Recurrence
    • Breast Problems That Arent Breast Cancer eBook
    • Nutrition Care for Breast Cancer Patients eBook
    • Finding Hope that Heals eBook
    • Dense Breasts Q&A Guide
    • Breast Cancer Recurrence eBook
    • What to Say to a Cancer Patient eBook
    • Weekly Healthy Living Tips
    • Bra Fit Guide
    • Know the Symptoms Guide
    • Breast Health Guide
    • Mammogram 101 eBook
    • Abnormal Mammogram eBook
    • What Every Woman Needs to Know eBook
  • Breast Cancer Resources

Breast Cancer Glossary

Featuring 60 easy-to-understand breast cancer terms you need to know.

Hearing the words, “You have breast cancer,” is always scary and overwhelming. To add to the burden, many common terms about breast cancer, diagnosis, and treatment can be confusing. 

In the Glossary of Common Breast Cancer Terms, we define more than 60 medical terms relating to breast cancer in a way that is easy for you and your loved ones to understand. Download the free glossary now to help alleviate stress and fear of the unknown as you equip yourself with the knowledge you need for the journey ahead.

Get the Free Glossary

This free glossary offers:

  • Easy-to-understand explanations for more than 60 common breast cancer terms
  • Links to additional resources for further explanation and understanding
  • Space for you to take notes or list questions for your oncology appointments

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s inside:


What our community is saying

“The glossary is SUPER helpful as I am sitting in treatment right now, looking up words. I’ve found that if there’s any uncertainty, I go right to the glossary.” – Amanda

“The explanations were easy to understand and it helped to relieve the stress I was feeling. Thank you for this resource.” – Carole

“I cannot thank you enough for this resource. It has made a difference in all of the lingo I’m hearing and how to navigate the early parts of my diagnosis.” – Alexis


Where can we send your free breast cancer glossary?


Disclaimer: This glossary is not an exhaustive list of terms you may encounter while undergoing a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Always refer any questions related to breast cancer and its treatment to your healthcare team.


Related reading:

  • 5 Ingredient Healthy Meals Cookbook
  • 3 Steps to Early Detection Guide
  • Healthy Living & Personal Risk Guide
  • Male Breast Cancer: What Men Need to Know eBook
  • Just Diagnosed with Breast Cancer… Now What? eBook
5 Ingredient Healthy…
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