A glossary of terms covering all aspects of breast and ovarian cancer.
P
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Paclitaxel |
A type of chemotherapy drug |
| Paget's disease of the nipple |
Rare form of invasive breast cancer that affects the nipple and the area around the nipple (the areola) |
| Palliative care |
Specialised care for people who have a disease that cannot be cured |
| Paracentesis |
A medical procedure to remove fluid that has collected in the abdominal cavity |
| Partial mastectomy |
See 'Breast conserving surgery' |
| Pastoral care |
Care provided by spiritual or religious leaders |
| Pathologist |
A health professional who specialises in examining cells, tissue and blood from the body |
| Pathology report |
A summary of the results of biopsies and other cancer tests used when making treatment recommendations |
| Patient-controlled analgesia |
A way of allowing a patient to control their own pain-relieving drugs |
| Peri-menopause |
When menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and irregular periods start; peri- menopause leads up to the time of menopause |
| Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) |
A scheme managed by the Australian Government that provides medicines at a subsidised price to Australian residents who hold a current Medicare card and to overseas visitors from countries with which Australia has a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement |
| Pharmacist |
Someone who specialises in supplying, dispensing and manufacturing drugs |
| Physiotherapist |
A health professional who specialises in exercise and pain management |
| Platelets |
Blood cells produced by the bone marrow that help the blood to clot |
| pleura |
The membrane that lines the rib cage and covers the lung. |
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Patron: Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia