Every year I give a personal update and I try to simplify information based on the latest research, technology, and common sense!
Think of the image above like a CheatSheet. It’s a one-page summary of 16 years of insights, endless hours of research, hundreds of blog posts, nutrition studies/certification, and nonprofit advocacy!
To access links, click on the CheatSheet image for the pdf version.
How I came to my perspectives
Like most women, I had never heard of DCIS. Nor I had I ever heard of “overdiagnosis.” My understanding came over time, with personal experiences, physical, emotional and financial harms, shocking fear-mongering, interest in nutrition & lifestyle, and a passion for seeking truth.
I was a good patient. Responsible. Health conscious.
Like most women, I listened to my doctor and all the pink hoopla…
“Mammograms Save Lives.” “Early Detection is Your Best Protection.”
My grandmother died at age 50 from breast cancer. I was only 3 years old and I never got to know her. That’s why I started annual mammograms at age 40. I had no reason not to believe the pink ribbon marketing slogans.
And then I fell down what I call the Pink Rabbit Hole.
At age 44, I went for my 4th annual mammogram. I was perfectly healthy with no signs or symptoms.
Only later, after years of research, did I realize mammography screening is like opening Pandora’s Box.
Routine Screening Mammograms Detect Calcifications
Calcifications seen on a routine screening mammogram often lead to a core needle “stereotactic” biopsy.
My story is similar to 90% of women overdiagnosed with “Ductal Carcinoma in Situ” (DCIS).
It’s commonly diagnosed as a “pre-cancer,” and often called “stage zero breast cancer.”
Overdiagnosis and overtreatment are inherent problems stemming from mammography screening — and sadly the medical community ignores the problem of overdiagnosis. Studies are helping to reduce overtreatment, but too many women continue to have their life turned upside down due to overdiagnosis.
It’s heart-breaking to hear from thousands of women dealing with similar fear-mongering as I experienced 16 years ago.
Really bad communication by healthcare professionals was both a red flag and a blessing.
Looking back, what I experienced now seems funny, but at the time it was truly scary.
It’s hard to believe health-care professionals can be so insensitive and lacking in compassionate communication, but I also see this as a blessing.
I became highly motivated to research and write about my experiences.
I documented it all in “Donna’s Journey.”
I describe “Nurse Ratched” — cold and matter of fact, while blurting out radical aggressive treatments, and Dr. “K” — she reminded me of Ellen — charming, joking, diverting to small talk — all while giving me her best sales pitch for the most aggressive “cancer prevention” treatments.
When I asked questions about “active surveillance,” doing less, or diet and lifestyle, I was offered Xanax, and met with dismissal.
The fear-mongering actually ramped up.
Dr. “K” actually said these statements to me:
“Don’t be stupid Donna.”
“Your breast is like spoiled soup; it’s not worth saving.”
“Don’t wait until it’s not treatable.”
“Curiosity killed the cat.”
As awful as these “professionals” were, their bad-ness played a key role in my awakening.
My intuition kicked in.
What did I do???
I put the brakes on and I investigated.
I created DCIS 411.
I wrote informative blog posts with links to studies.
Over the years, I have done many interviews and shared my story in major media outlets and podcasts. Below are just a few.
I truly hope my story helps you or someone you know!
INSIDE EDITION in depth interview, 2017:
Excellent ABC Interview with Investigative Journalist Lisa Fletcher, 2017:
Is Stage Zero breast cancer really cancer? 7 ON YOUR SIDE investigates the controversy
(screenshots from ABC interview):
Two Podcast Interviews with Dr. Jenn Simmons 2025 and 2024:
Video I made in 2015 showed at live events:
Explore more of my insights and resources:
- In 2011, My Doctor Told Me: “Your Breast is Like Spoiled Soup… It’s Not Worth Saving.”
- Donna’s Journey (all the nitty gritty details of my story starting in 2009)
- Media (more interviews, articles, stories)
- Overdiagnosis 411
- Overdiagnosis – “That’s Not Even a Word”
- DCIS 411 blog: (use “search” box)
- FAQ (Frequently asked questions and resource links)
- Give Wellness Nonprofit “Empowering Women”
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