Understand Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
DCIS FAQ
Get clear answers to common DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) questions. Learn about diagnosis, overdiagnosis, screening, treatment options, and informed decision-making. Below are links/resources to frequently asked questions.
1. Is DCIS “cancer?”
This question has been debated by medical professionals for over 20 years!
DCIS 411 was founded in 2011 to amplify expert perspectives and important research supporting “DCIS is NOT Cancer!”
Read our blog post Is DCIS Cancer? Rethinking the “Carcinoma” in Stage Zero Breast Cancer and selected articles and listen to videos quoting experts:
- “DCIS is not cancer. It is a risk factor for cancer.” — Dr. Laura Esserman, When Cancer is NOT Cancer, The California Sunday Magazine, 2014
- Somehow DCIS ended up in the cancer camp rather than the risk-factor camp, and all my work is to push it back.” — Dr. Shelley Hwang, The Danger of DCIS, The Breast “Cancer” That’s Often Not, Elle Magazine, 2015
- “DCIS is a marker for breast cancer risk; it itself is not cancer. Removing the speedometer does not change the speed of the car, so removing DCIS, irradiating it, or giving it pills will not change the risk of dying.” – Dr. Jennifer Marti, Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: The Weight of the Word “Cancer,” AACR, October 12, 2022
- “DCIS — “In and of Itself is not a ‘cancer’ lesion.” – Hal Burstein, M.D., Ph.D., clip from Peter Attia, MD Podcast 278 ‒ Breast cancer: how to catch, treat, and survive breast cancer, Nov. 6, 2023
- Former breast surgeon Dr. Jenn Simmons discusses this “controversy” with Donna Pinto. A must listen…
2. Is there a way to know my individual risk of a future DCIS or invasive cancer?
YES…
Start with reviewing
- DCIS Risk Assessment (Bio-marker) Tests Explained
A New Bio-marker Test for DCIS = Peace of Mind for Thousands of Women
- Unbiased 2nd PATHOLOGY opinion is a MUST
Resource Links:
3. Are there alternatives to mammograms for monitoring breast health?
YES…
- Safe Breast Screening Alternatives:
- ABUS (automated breast ultrasound)
- SonoCine AWBUS (Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound)
- QT Imaging
- Thermography
- 2nd opinion reviews of breast imaging & DocPanel 2nd opinion review.
Please consider signing the petition at link below (disregard donation prompts!):
INFORMED CHOICE in Breast Cancer Screening / Insurance for Ultrasound and QT Imaging
4. Are there natural alternatives to hormone-blocking drugs?
YES…
5. Is there anything else I can do to reduce my risk of breast cancer?
YES…
Start with reviewing:
- CheatSheet — Stay Healthy & Avoid DCIS (“Stage Zero Breast Cancer”) Overdiagnosis & Overtreatment
- Holistic Health
- Women’s Wellness Checklist
- Active Surveillance P L U S
- Proactive Breast Health Club
Review lab work and create a specific, individualized detoxification, nutrition, exercise, supplement, hormone balancing plan.
Find a Functional Medicine Practioner
- Look at YELP reviews, ask for referrals.
Resources for Financial Assistance for Holistic Health:
- United Breast Cancer Foundation (UBCF)
- BELIEVE BIG GRANTS
- LIVING BEYOND BREAST CANCER
- Komen Financial Assistance Program
- Give Wellness
More Resources:
- American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
- Mederi Center
- Hippocrates Wellness / Hippocrates Health Institute
- Bastyr University Clinic — San Diego
- UC San Diego Center for Integrative Medicine
6. Is there a doctor who will remove markers/clips:
YES…
- Dr. Beth-Ann Lesnikoski, MD
- Read: NO Informed Consent — Harmed by 5 Titanium Clips in Breast — DCIS Patient Shares Her Story and Advocacy
7. I have more questions. Can I find more support?
YES…
Join one or all of the support groups affiliated with DCIS 411:
If you have ore questions or need to speak with someone who understands all the dilemmas with DCIS:
I was recently diagnosed with DCIS stage 0. Donna has been a constant inspiration for education and helping me stay positive, through this very confusing diagnosis. I really appreciate her knowledge and support!
Hello Donna, Recently I have listened to (twice) the podcast with Dr. Jenn. Wow, a wealth of information. I have downloaded your e-book and will be reading/listening to it soon.
Where in your website could I find information about being a family member of someone who had DCIS (sister) and IDC (mother). An OB-GYN said, “since I was post-menopausal and that I had a strong family history of breast cancer, was NOT an ideal candidate for HR and should have regular mammograms and ultrasound screening to monitor the dense breast tissue for any indication I would also develop DCIS.” Nonsense.
I will be opting out for the next follow-up screenings and am searching for another certified menopause provider who is able to answer my questions that pertain to me rather than what is covered for the average for my gender and age.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and being the voice for those of us who are just beginning on this journey.
Hi, sorry for the delayed reply…I would seek out a functional medical doctor or bio-identical hormone specialist who does not fear-monger based on “genetics.” Look at my very first post Dec 2011 on “epigenetics”: https://dcis411.com/2011/12/12/bruce-lipton-healing-perceptions/
xoxo