Newly Diagnosed?
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Women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), also known as stage 0 breast cancer, are quickly rushed toward radical surgery and radiation before fully understanding the nature of the diagnosis.
DCIS is considered non-invasive, meaning the abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts and do not spread into the surrounding breast tissue. Growing research suggests that many forms of DCIS may never become life-threatening if left untreated.
This page provides newly diagnosed women with information, questions to ask, and resources to help them slow down, become informed, and make treatment decisions based on education rather than fear.
Think of DCIS 411 as a FREE Step-by-Step GUIDE
Please take time to review all 10 steps below before making any treatment decisions:
1. Take Time to Learn About DCIS Incidence Rates, Overdiagnosis & Overtreatment
Dr. Michael Greger explains in a short video (below) that mammograms have greatly increased the detection of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), but without a major reduction in advanced breast cancer or deaths. He suggests many DCIS cases may never become dangerous, yet women often undergo aggressive treatment due to fear and uncertainty. He also discusses how fear surrounding the word “carcinoma” may influence treatment decisions and mentions proposals to rename some low-risk lesions. Dr. Greger encourages women to be fully informed about the potential risks and benefits of mammogram screening and DCIS treatment options. Studies and references are included in the video.
Take Time to Review More Experts Explaining DCIS Overdiagnosis here.
2. Take Time to Review Articles and Videos with Breast Cancer Experts Explaining Why “DCIS is NOT ‘breast cancer.’”
- “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 currently represents 20-25% newly diagnosed breast “cancer” cases (vs 1-2% historically.) I put “cancer” in quotations because it’s not really cancer — which is one of the problems with people understanding DCIS.” – Stuart Schnitt, MD, chief of Breast Oncologic Pathology at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Understanding Your Pathology Report | 2024 Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Patient Forum
- “DCIS — “In and of Itself is not a ‘cancer’ lesion.” – Hal Burstein, M.D., Ph.D., clip from Peter Attia, Podcast 278 ‒ Breast cancer: how to catch, treat, and survive breast cancer, Nov 2024
Understanding Your Pathology Report | 2024 Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Patient Forum
Stuart Schnitt, MD, Chief of Breast Oncologic Pathology at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, discusses pathology reports at the second annual Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Patient Forum May 18, 2024. says: DCIS is not “cancer”; it’s more like a pre-cancer.
3. Take Time to Review DCIS FAQ
Get clear answers to common DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) questions. Learn about diagnosis, overdiagnosis, screening, and treatment options, and informed decision-making. Links and resources to frequently asked questions are included on the page.
4. Take Time to Listen to Donna and Nancy discuss “Why we said NO to Overtreatment.”
In this podcast, Nancy Riopel shares how her research in 2018 led her to say NO to the aggressive “standard of care” treatments for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS).
5. Take Time to Listen to Donna’s conversations with Dr. Jenn Simmons, Breast Surgeon of 17 years turned Functional MD/ Integrative Oncologist:
6. Take Time to Review links at: DCIS: A PRACTICAL GUIDE & RESOURCES.
8. Take Time to Learn from Donna’s Story + Research
Following a DCIS diagnosis in 2010, I experienced an incredible life transformation. I went from being frightened, confused and anxious to feeling calm, empowered and inspired. I became an avid researcher, blogger, Certified Nutritionist, and advocate for informed decision-making and pro-active holistic wellness practices. I felt compelled to share the wisdom I discovered and a new way forward for women to be empowered in their journeys to health, wellness and peace of mind.
Read Donna’s 2026 “Never Cancer” Update:
In 2011, My Doctor Told Me: “Your Breast is Like Spoiled Soup… It’s Not Worth Saving.”
Watch Donna’s video below made for a presentation in 2015.
9. Take Time to Review Donna’s Past Blog Posts + Pages
Click on Blog and read the continuation of “Donna’s Journey” (scroll backwards)
Review Donna’s Holistic Health approach
See Media page for interviews featuring Donna’s story
Read: Evaluating DCIS treatments — do you know your “survival” statistics?
Use the “Search” box for specific topics
10. Stay Up-To-Date on the Latest Research & News:
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