neoadjuvant therapy
(KNEE-oh-ADD-joo-vent THER-a-pee)
Treatment that's given first to help make the next treatment step go more smoothly. For example, chemotherapy, radiation or hormones may be given before surgery. In breast cancer, this therapy is mainly used to shrink a large tumor so that it's easier to take out.
For more information, see Breastcancer.org's Treatment & Side Effects section.
Audio contributed by: Whoopi Goldberg