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DCIS

Smallfry
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Hi there, I wonder if you can help as I'm confused not a rare occurrence but in this case some clarity really would help. Had a diagnosis of

Intermediate Grade Ductal Carcinoma, 8/8 for oestrogen & progesterone receptors in one breast. 

I understand the hormone part but not whether this is actually cancerous tissue or tissue that is precancerous? The literature I was sent away with isn't clear

They seem very keen to remove it ASAP which is good in one way but worrying... I'm concerned that this is cancer equally concerned that it's over diagnosing / treating. 

I have lived with a long term condition for 22yrs & really struggled with hormone changes (53 & in perimenopause). In desperation I went onto HRT which has helped but my energy levels / stamina are still poor & they weren't great to start with!

Not sure I can face much more & trying to weigh up the options of just leaving it be! 

Any clarity would be much appreciated. I realise this is a weekday service.

Thank you. 

  • Dear Smallfry,

    Thank you for getting in touch with us and welcome to our Online Community. I’m Alison, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists who works on the support line here at Macmillan.

    It’s understandable that you’ll have questions and concerns about your treatment plan for your Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). It’s good to make sure you are fully understanding your diagnosis and that the treatment plan is right for you.

    DCIS is an early form of breast cancer that has developed in the ducts of the breast, but not yet spread outside and become ‘invasive breast cancer’. Intermediate DCIS means that the cells look less like normal breast cells and are growing faster. Not all DCIS will develop into invasive breast cancer, however, there’s currently no way of knowing if this will happen. The stage and grade of the cancer can be good indicators though as intermediate and high-grade DCIS are more likely to become invasive breast cancer.

    Currently the main treatment for DCIS is surgery of either a mastectomy or breast conserving surgery. Radiotherapy can be added to breast conserving surgery but isn’t usually required following a mastectomy. Chemotherapy isn’t recommended as treatment for DCIS. Your team should discuss with you what options are available to you and discuss the risks and potential side effects of each option.

    Making treatment decisions can be difficult, so it’s important you’re well informed and feel supported to make the decision that’s right for you. Ask about what support is available for you after surgery and to help with recovery, and if you choose to not have treatment at this time, you can ask about any follow-up’s and how they would monitor you going forward.

    It might help to talk through your concerns and be able to ask questions, so please don’t hesitate to call our support line to speak with one of our nurses. It can also help to reach out for peer support. Our breast cancer forum can be valuable to speak to others who have had treatment for DCIS or also struggled with treatment decisions. Breast Cancer Now also offer a Someone Like Me support service to allow you to talk to someone who’s had a similar diagnosis.

    I hope this is helpful and if you need to ask further questions please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

    Take care,

     

    Alison,

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref/ SMG/AP

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