Author Archives: Donna Pinto

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About Donna Pinto

After being diagnosed with DCIS in 2010, Donna transformed her personal journey into a mission of advocacy and education. She became an investigative journalist and patient advocate, later earning certification as a nutritionist. As a nonprofit founder, author, speaker, blogger, and podcaster, Donna has dedicated over 15 years to empowering women with knowledge and support. Through her website, DCIS 411, she shares insights on DCIS overdiagnosis and overtreatment, safer breast imaging alternatives, and holistic strategies for achieving optimal health—impacting thousands of women worldwide.

31 Days of “Little Known” FACTS — For Breast Cancer Awareness Month — Day 6 — Pinkwashing 101

Posted on October 6, 2019 by Donna Pinto

Did you know… The definition of Pinkwasher: A company or organization that claims to care about breast cancer by promoting a pink ribbon product, but at the same time produces, manufactures and/or sells products that are linked to the disease. … Continue reading →

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31 Days of “Little Known” FACTS — For Breast Cancer Awareness Month — Day 5 — Lifestyle Medicine

Posted on October 5, 2019 by Donna Pinto

Did you know… More than 70,000 breast cancer cases a year—40% of all cases—could be prevented with lifestyle measures. – American Institute for Cancer Research Food is a powerful, yet largely untapped resource for disease prevention. Many Diseases Are Preventable Science … Continue reading →

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31 Days of “Little Known” FACTS — For Breast Cancer Awareness Month — Day 4 — Spinning Statistics

Posted on October 4, 2019 by Donna Pinto

Did you know… Statistics about breast cancer screening can be confusing and misleading. Women may hear… “Regular mammograms reduce breast cancer deaths by 20%.” Sounds pretty good… But how many lives do they really save? Only 1 in 1,000! Here … Continue reading →

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31 Days of “Little Known” FACTS — For Breast Cancer Awareness Month — Day 3 — $$$ for Metastasis

Posted on October 3, 2019 by Donna Pinto

Today is dedicated to my dear friend Sandie Walters (*see below) Did you know… Despite billions raised for awareness and early detection… “There is no actual decrease in the number of women and men dying from breast cancer each year. … Continue reading →

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31 Days of “Little Known” FACTS — For Breast Cancer Awareness Month — Day 2 — Dense Breast Tissue

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Donna Pinto

Did you know… “Between 30% and 50% of cancers identified in women who undergo screening mammography are not detected by mammography.” – Dr. Christiane Kuhl, University of Aachen, Germany. Sadly Nancy Cappello’s invasive cancer was missed by mammograms. She founded … Continue reading →

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31 Days of “Little Known” FACTS — For Breast Cancer Awareness Month — Day 1 — Mammograms

Posted on October 1, 2019 by Donna Pinto

Did you know… One of the largest studies ever on mammograms indicated they do not reduce cancer deaths. Listen to this short video with Dr. Joann Elmore, an expert in mammography… “This study adds to an accumulation of data… Multiple … Continue reading →

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The Importance of Being Informed, Treated with Compassion, and Advocating for Active Surveillance — Nancy Riopel’s Enlightening DCIS Story

Posted on September 20, 2019 by Donna Pinto

“Please, if you take one thing from my experience, consider the importance of being informed and being willing to advocate for the treatment options that you feel are best for you. I am not DCIS, I am not a ‘tumor’ … Continue reading →

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Women’s Wellness Retreat

Posted on July 11, 2019 by Donna Pinto

This retreat is funded in part by donations to DCIS 411 and give wellness. Thank you to all who have supported and continue to support these nonprofit projects. Plant-based food and wellness activities are complementary to all retreat guests. See … Continue reading →

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DCIS Support — Find Your Tribe on Facebook!

Posted on June 18, 2019 by Donna Pinto

There are five distinctly different “DCIS support groups” on Facebook. Some have strict rules. Differing viewpoints have led to heated debates and frustrations. Hopefully everyone can find a support tribe they most align with. Some may feel they benefit from … Continue reading →

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NO Informed Consent — Harmed by 5 Titanium Clips in Breast — DCIS Patient Shares Her Story and Advocacy

Posted on June 10, 2019 by Donna Pinto

by Lisa Nash (Presented at the State House in Boston to Senators and legislative staff): Hello, my name is Lisa Nash and I am here to speak with you about An Act Promoting Patient Engagement in Health Care Decisions. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, Personal Stories | 130 Comments