Breast cancer types4 min read

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

DCIS is the most common non-invasive breast cancer: abnormal cells lining the milk ducts that have not spread beyond them.

In DCIS, cancer cells are confined to the lining of the milk ducts. Because they have not invaded the surrounding tissue, DCIS cannot spread to other organs. It is sometimes called “stage 0 cancer”.

What this means

  • DCIS is not an invasive cancer
  • It is most often found on screening mammograms
  • Treating it stops it ever becoming invasive
  • Treatment can be surgery, radiation, or surveillance in low-risk cases

Some DCIS is treated very conservatively; others more actively, depending on its characteristics. The outlook is excellent either way.

In brief

The most common non-invasive breast cancer
Confined to the milk ducts
Cannot spread — and is highly treatable

What you can do

Discuss treatment intensity

Ask why your DCIS is being managed the way it is.

Stay on follow-up

Regular imaging keeps the picture clear.

Keep learning

Stage 0 — carcinoma in situAwarenessInvasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)AwarenessBreast tumours: benign and malignantAwareness