Glossary

Terms	Definitions
Anti-Black Racism	The systemic and ongoing discrimination and prejudice toward people of African descent.
Association	A connection between things, people or organizations.
BRCA1 / BRCA2	Breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2) help to control the growth of cancer cells when they are working normally. But if these genes mutate, they no longer work properly and can increase the risk of breast cancer. Mutations in these genes can be passed from either parents to a child.
Breast awareness	Breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2) help to control the growth of cancer cells when they are working normally. But if these genes mutate, they no longer work properly and can increase the risk of breast cancer. Mutations in these genes can be passed from either parents to a child.
Breast cancer grade	When cancer cells are taken from the breast and examined in the lab, they are given a grade. The grade describes how similar the cancer cells are to normal cells and can predict the likelihood that cancer cells will grow and spread. It also helps your healthcare team plan your treatment.
Breast reconstruction	Rebuilding the shape and look of the breast after mastectomy
Breast Cancer Stage	Staging defines or classifies cancer based on how much cancer is present in the body and where it is when first discovered.
Cancer care team	A group of professionals providing care in different areas in your breast cancer journey
Carcinogens	Carcinogens are any substance known to cause cancer. You are at highest risk when you breathe in carcinogens or absorb them through your skin.
Deficiency	A lack or shortage of something.
Diagnosis	Identifying of an illness or other problem by listening to symptoms and/or examining findings.
Endocrine- disrupting chemicals	Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances in the environment (air, soil, or water supply), food sources, personal care products, and manufactured products that interfere with the normal function of your body’s endocrine (hormone) system.
Exposure	Being in contact with something.
Genetic counselling	Genetic counselling gives you information about how cancers are inherited and how inheriting certain genetic changes can increase your risk of cancer.
Genetic mutation	A change in, or damage to, one or more genes is called a mutation. Sometimes mutations can stop genes from working the way that they are supposed to.
Inherited (cancer)	Inherited cancers are those caused by a gene mutation usually passed on to you by your parents.
Lactation Consultant	A health professional who has expertise in breastfeeding.
Mammogram	Mammography is a safe x-ray of the breast that uses low doses of radiation.
Mastectomy	Surgery that removes the entire breast
Misogynoir	A unique form of misogyny and anti-Black racism directed specifically at Black women.
Misogyny	Discrimination against women.
Nutrient-dense foods	Foods that are rich in nutrients, like salmon, blueberries and potatoes.
Post-menopausal	The time after menopause.
Pre-menopausal	The time before menopause.
Predominantly	Mostly.
Prevalent/prevalence	How common a condition is.
Processed foods	Foods that have undergone any changes to their natural state.
Refined carbohydrates	Refined carbohydrates are found in foods that have been heavily processed to remove many of the other nutrients they normally carry.
Socioeconomic status	Social standing or class of an individual or group which can impact their overall health
Spit-Test	A sample of saliva (spit) that is sent to a lab to undergo genetic analysis to see whether there are any mutations.
Stigma	Negative beliefs that are held against a particular group of people
Treatment plan	Once you have been diagnosed, a treatment plan will be created that is tailored to your unique needs. Your treatment plan will be based on the specific information about the cancer, including the type of breast cancer you have, its stage and grade, the size, how long you have had it, as well as your overall health status, and in certain cases your personal preferences
Triple-negative breast cancer	In triple-negative breast cancer, the cancer cells do not have any of the three receptors that are commonly found in breast cancer (called estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2 protein).