AI: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs). These medications lower the estrogen being produced by other tissue BUT still allow the ovaries to produce estrogen. AIs are usually prescribed for menopausal women. Researchers believe inhibiting estrogen may block the growth of tumours.  

APBI: Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation. Internal radiation. Uses the balloon brachytherapy where tiny tubes (catheters) are sewn under the skin with the ends sticking. Radioactive seeds can be feed through the tubes into the lumpectomy cavity.  Treatment is one week long. As research indicates it’s as effective as the traditional six weeks of radiation. See WBRT.

BRCA 1 or BRCA 2: The genes controlling normal cell growth. The BRCA Gene Test is a blood test that checks for mutations in these genes that can help determine your chance of developing breast cancer.

CA: Chemotherapy treatment. Chemical treatment that kills all rapidly dividing cells, specifically aimed at cancer cells, which RE continuously divide to form more cells that eventually turn into tumours. CA stops the growth. See CMF.

CMF: Chemotherapy agent consisting of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil.

CMFEV: Cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil (CMF) plus epirubicin and vincristine (EV).

DCIS:  In situ ductal carcinoma. Ductal carcinoma is a tumour in the milk ducts. In situ (stays confined) is known as DCIS.
 
HER2: Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2. A protein in the gene regulating cell growth. Breast tumours are routinely checked for an over expression of HER2. Normal cells should only have two gene copies. Multiple copies can result in aberrant cell growth leading to cancer.

Lobular carcinoma: Tumour in the milk glands.

WBRT: Whole-breast radiation therapy. External radiation. Usually performed after a lumpectomy, this common treatment uses high-energy radiation aimed at the affected breast area to prevent any further mutations. Full treatment takes between 6 to 7 weeks. See APBI.