Articles on DCIS & Breast Screening Controversies

Articles discussing DCIS controversies increasingly question whether many women with low-risk stage 0 breast cancer are being overdiagnosed and overtreated. Researchers and physicians debate whether DCIS should continue to be labeled “cancer,” since many cases may never progress to invasive disease, yet often lead to surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy. Studies surrounding active surveillance, including the COMET trial, suggest that carefully selected women may be safely monitored instead of rushed into aggressive treatment. One of the major controversies included here is the lack of informed consent with mammography screening. “Life-saving” benefits are often exaggerated while potential harms, including overdiagnosis of indolent lesions such as DCIS, are downplayed or ignored. 

The articles below offer balance so women can make informed choices for screening BEFORE and AFTER a DCIS diagnosis.