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.

Donna’s 9 Year Update — Top 3 Questions, Lessons Learned, and 2019 Projects

Posted on January 20, 2019 by Donna Pinto

If not for photos with my children… I would not believe it’s been nine years since my journey with DCIS began. TOP 3 QUESTIONS I AM OFTEN ASKED 1. Did I ever have a recurrence of DCIS or invasive cancer? … Continue reading →

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Thankful for PCORI & Patient-Centered Research

Posted on November 21, 2018 by Donna Pinto

I recently had the opportunity to attend the annual meeting of  PCORI — Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. Three days of presentations and panel discussions all focused on one recurring theme: Patient voices, preferences, values, experiences, and outcomes matter. I felt … Continue reading →

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What is “Low-risk” DCIS & Why is The COMET Study Urgently Needed?

Posted on August 20, 2018 by Donna Pinto

The COMET Study is the nation’s first prospective, randomized clinical trial aimed at resolving an ongoing debate about the best way to manage “low-risk” DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ), also known as “stage zero” breast cancer. “This is a trial … Continue reading →

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A New Bio-marker Test for DCIS = Peace of Mind for Thousands of Women

Posted on August 9, 2018 by Donna Pinto

If you are one of the 60,000 + women diagnosed with DCIS this year, you now have a way to gain more peace of mind about what to think and do about it. A company called PreludeDx has scientifically validated … Continue reading →

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DCIS — Beyond “One-Size Fits-All”

Posted on June 12, 2018 by Donna Pinto

Today, women newly diagnosed with DCIS have more support, options, and resources than ever before. Below are eight ways to help you create an “individualized” and empowered plan-of-action… #1.  CONFIRM YOUR PATHOLOGY Dr. David J Dabbs, Prelude Dx Second Opinion … Continue reading →

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Evaluating DCIS treatments — do you know your “survival” statistics?

Posted on April 23, 2018 by Donna Pinto

“There is strong evidence that treatment of DCIS in most women has no clear effect on mortality reduction.” – Finding the balance between over- and under-treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) “Risk of development of metastases and/or death in … Continue reading →

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Namaste — My 4-11 Blessing to All

Posted on April 11, 2018 by Donna Pinto

Today is 4-11 — a perfect day for a quick check-in… and “namaste” blessing to all! On April 1, I celebrated my birthday with a visit to the Self Realization Fellowship Mediation Gardens in Encinitas. I said a prayer of … Continue reading →

Posted in Health | 3 Comments

Keeping Patient Perspectives at the Forefront of DCIS Research

Posted on January 12, 2018 by Donna Pinto

Patient Advocates from across the US and around the world came together to share insights about DCIS at the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. The COMET Study Patient Leadership Team presented “Changing the DCIS Conversation: Development of an Alternative Discourse by … Continue reading →

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Active Surveillance P L U S (Proactive – Lifestyle – Understanding – Support) — Donna’s Vision

Posted on April 11, 2017 by Donna Pinto

“Active surveillance” of a “potential cancerous condition” through periodic medical imaging in itself can be extremely stressful — and the anxiety, worry, and fear of cancer developing or progressing may not go away as time goes on.    Active Surveillance … Continue reading →

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Aggressive Treatments for DCIS — or NOT? New Research Sheds Light

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Donna Pinto

I hope every woman diagnosed with low-risk DCIS today knows they have a great opportunity that did not exist for me (and thousands others) in the past.

I feel an incredible sense of gratitude to all the forces and people that have made the COMET Study possible — to the physicians and cancer centers who are making it available — and to the women who will participate. Thank you! Continue reading →

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