Stages4 min read

Stage 0 — carcinoma in situ

Stage 0 means abnormal cells are present but have not yet spread beyond where they started. It is the earliest possible finding and is highly treatable.

At stage 0, abnormal cells are confined to the duct or lobule wall. They have not invaded the surrounding breast tissue. That is why it is called in situ — “in place”.

Examples of stage 0

  • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
  • Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) — more a risk marker than a cancer

Stage 0 is not invasive cancer and does not threaten life on its own. Treatment aims to remove the cells and stop them ever becoming invasive — a truly early win.

In brief

The earliest stage
Cells have not invaded nearby tissue
The outlook is excellent

What you can do

Learn about your options

Surveillance or minor interventions can both be offered.

Keep perspective

Stage 0 is caught early precisely because screening works.

Keep learning

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)AwarenessLobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)AwarenessUnderstanding breast cancer stagesAwareness