Tag Archives: DCIS Breast Cancer

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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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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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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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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DCIS Over-treatment Makes Mainstream News — 2015 Highlights

Posted on November 22, 2015 by Donna Pinto

The media madness began in August 2015 following the publication of the most extensive study to date on DCIS in the prestigious medical Journal JAMA Oncology. The study of over 100,000 women concluded there was no “life-saving” benefit to “standard … Continue reading →

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Why the “Standard of Care” Must Change

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Donna Pinto

Despite clear evidence from the most extensive study to date on DCIS — that there is no benefit to surgery, radiation and drugs (“standard of care” treatment for DCIS) — and despite significant harms of these treatments — doctors will most … Continue reading →

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Listen to My Phone Consultation with Dr. Michael Lagios

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Donna Pinto

It was November 3, 2011 when I had a phone consultation with Dr. Michael D. Lagios, a nationally recognized breast pathologist and medical director of The Breast Cancer Consultation Service. As I wrote about in “Donna’s Journey,” the information I learned from … Continue reading →

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