Part II: DCIS Research: De-escalating the Fear of Recurrence

February 6, 2024

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) can be treated with surgery, or with Active Monitoring for low-risk DCIS. Chemotherapy is not needed, although sometimes radiation or hormone therapy are suggested. Most DCIS never develops into an invasive cancer. In part 2 of the DCIS webinar series, we discuss where research is taking us. For those who have already received treatment and surgery, this will be essential information to learn and share with family and friends so they know their level of risk too. You can also share this information with your medical team to help them keep up with the latest DCIS research and care. 

Our panelists, Dr. Shelley Hwang and Deborah Collyar, discuss ways to de-escalate the fear of recurrence and ways to ensure decisions are made without fear.

Key Takeaways from Webinar Viewers:

• Surgery remains the mainstay of therapy for DCIS; yields excellent oncologic outcomes but may be overtreatment for some
• Treatment in addition to surgery include radiation therapy and endocrine therapy (adjuvant therapy)
• DCIS is an opportunity to right size treatment:
• increased use of surgery and adjuvant therapy for highest risk
• de-escalation of surgery for those at lowest risk