Anti-inflammatory
A substance that blocks inflammation, a process in which white blood cells are drawn to
tissues in response to infection or injury and release active chemicals that promote healing.
Chronic inflammation is thought to promote cancer development.
Antioxidant
A substance that prevents the damaging effects of certain reactive chemicalsin the body --
think rust prevention. Antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, and lycopene block cell damage
that can lead to cancer.
Atypical Hyperplasia
A benign abnormality in which cells have an uncharacteristic appearance and are increased in
number. Atypical hyperplasia of the breast indicates an increased risk for breast cancer.
Cancer
A disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably to form a mass, or tumor. These
abnormal cells can migrate, or metastasize, to other areas of the body.
Carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
A noninvasive cancer. In situ means it stays in place and does not spread to other parts of
the body (metastasize) unless it first undergoes a tranformation to become invasive.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables from plants in the Brassica family, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage,
brussel sprouts.
Ductal Carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
A cancer-like growth in the breast ducts. It is a noninvasive cancer and will not spread
outside the breast (metastasize) unless it first undergoes a transformation to become
invasive.
Estrogen
Female sex hormones present in several chemical forms. Its production by the body varies
over the course of a woman's lifetime. It is used in birth control pills and in hormone
replacement therapy.
Folate (Folic Acid)
Folate is a B vitamin found in green vegetables, beans, citrus, and enriched and whole grains.
Folic acid is the form of this vitamin that is found in supplements.
Hormones
Chemicals that stimulate specific physiologic processes in the body.
Inflammation
A process in which white blood cells are drawn to tissues in response to infection or injury and
release active chemicals that promote healing.
Lobular Carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
A cancer-like growth in the breast lobules (milk-producing glands). It is a noninvasive cancer
and will not spread outside the breast (metastasize) unless it first undergoes transformation
to become invasive. It is considered a sign of being at high risk for developing breast cancer.
Lycopene
A phytochemical that gives tomatoes their red color and interferes with the development of
some cancers.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fats essential for human health that are found in flax, walnuts, canola oil, and certain fish.
(Wild salmon is an excellent source.)
Phytochemicals
Substances found in plants that have health benefits.
Phytoestrogens
Plant substances that are similar in structure to human estrogens.
Selenium
A mineral that is present in some foods and is thought to have anti-cancer activity. It is found
in high levels in Brazil nuts and is present in many other foods such as meat, poultry, fish, and
enriched grain products.
Vitamin
A nutrient essential for health.
A substance that blocks inflammation, a process in which white blood cells are drawn to
tissues in response to infection or injury and release active chemicals that promote healing.
Chronic inflammation is thought to promote cancer development.
Antioxidant
A substance that prevents the damaging effects of certain reactive chemicalsin the body --
think rust prevention. Antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, and lycopene block cell damage
that can lead to cancer.
Atypical Hyperplasia
A benign abnormality in which cells have an uncharacteristic appearance and are increased in
number. Atypical hyperplasia of the breast indicates an increased risk for breast cancer.
Cancer
A disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably to form a mass, or tumor. These
abnormal cells can migrate, or metastasize, to other areas of the body.
Carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
A noninvasive cancer. In situ means it stays in place and does not spread to other parts of
the body (metastasize) unless it first undergoes a tranformation to become invasive.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables from plants in the Brassica family, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage,
brussel sprouts.
Ductal Carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
A cancer-like growth in the breast ducts. It is a noninvasive cancer and will not spread
outside the breast (metastasize) unless it first undergoes a transformation to become
invasive.
Estrogen
Female sex hormones present in several chemical forms. Its production by the body varies
over the course of a woman's lifetime. It is used in birth control pills and in hormone
replacement therapy.
Folate (Folic Acid)
Folate is a B vitamin found in green vegetables, beans, citrus, and enriched and whole grains.
Folic acid is the form of this vitamin that is found in supplements.
Hormones
Chemicals that stimulate specific physiologic processes in the body.
Inflammation
A process in which white blood cells are drawn to tissues in response to infection or injury and
release active chemicals that promote healing.
Lobular Carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
A cancer-like growth in the breast lobules (milk-producing glands). It is a noninvasive cancer
and will not spread outside the breast (metastasize) unless it first undergoes transformation
to become invasive. It is considered a sign of being at high risk for developing breast cancer.
Lycopene
A phytochemical that gives tomatoes their red color and interferes with the development of
some cancers.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fats essential for human health that are found in flax, walnuts, canola oil, and certain fish.
(Wild salmon is an excellent source.)
Phytochemicals
Substances found in plants that have health benefits.
Phytoestrogens
Plant substances that are similar in structure to human estrogens.
Selenium
A mineral that is present in some foods and is thought to have anti-cancer activity. It is found
in high levels in Brazil nuts and is present in many other foods such as meat, poultry, fish, and
enriched grain products.
Vitamin
A nutrient essential for health.
| Glossary |
More information:
Medline Plus Dictionary and Medline Plus Encyclopedia
on the National Library of Medicine web site
National Cancer Institute Dictionary
Medline Plus Dictionary and Medline Plus Encyclopedia
on the National Library of Medicine web site
National Cancer Institute Dictionary
ReduceBreastCancerRisk.com Contact Us
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