Stage zero breast cancer refers to DCIS otherwise known as Ductal Carcinoma In Situ. DCIS are abnormal cells that line the duct in a breast. A normal breast is made up of lots of ducts (these ducts carry milk to the nipple in a woman who is lactating).
DCIS is not an invasive cancer, meaning it hasn’t spread outside the milk duct and it cannot invade other parts of the breast. In some instances, if left untreated, doctors believe that DCIS can evolve into a more invasive breast cancer. For this reason, historically, the standard treatment for DCIS is to remove it surgically and in some instances offer radiation as well.
But many doctors aren’t sure if even that is necessary for DCIS, because it may or may not turn into cancer. A large study, known as the COMET study, is currently underway looking at the benefit of active surveillance versus standard treatment.
This kind of study will help doctors determine whether doing less may be just as effective as doing more. In the meantime, the options are worth weighing depending on your individual diagnosis and concerns.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Dr. Ann Partridge is an oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the founder and director of the Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer. Read More
Stage zero breast cancer refers to DCIS otherwise known as Ductal Carcinoma In Situ. DCIS are abnormal cells that line the duct in a breast. A normal breast is made up of lots of ducts (these ducts carry milk to the nipple in a woman who is lactating).
DCIS is not an invasive cancer, meaning it hasn’t spread outside the milk duct and it cannot invade other parts of the breast. In some instances, if left untreated, doctors believe that DCIS can evolve into a more invasive breast cancer. For this reason, historically, the standard treatment for DCIS is to remove it surgically and in some instances offer radiation as well.
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But many doctors aren’t sure if even that is necessary for
DCIS, because it may or may not turn into cancer. A large study, known as the
COMET study, is currently underway looking at the benefit of active surveillance versus standard treatment.
This kind of study will help doctors determine whether doing less may be just as effective as doing more. In the meantime, the options are worth weighing depending on your individual diagnosis and concerns.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Dr. Ann Partridge is an oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the founder and director of the Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer. Read More
