Low grade Ductal Carcinoma in situ (DCIS): how best to describe it?

Breast. 2014 Oct;23(5):693-6. doi: 10.1016/j.breast.2014.06.013. Epub 2014 Jun 27.

Abstract

Background: In the absence of definitive data about the natural history of DCIS the appropriateness of describing DCIS as cancer is controversial.

Methods: We conducted a survey amongst British Breast Group (BBG) members, to determine which descriptions of DCIS were deemed most accurate and appropriate.

Results: 54/73 (74%) attendees completed the survey: A majority (34/54; 63%) said they would be comfortable using the description that explained DCIS as abnormal cells in the milk ducts that had not spread into other breast tissue and which did not need urgent treatment as if it was breast cancer and this description was overall the most preferred (24/54; 44%).

Conclusions: Little consensus exists regarding how best to explain low grade DCIS to patients.

Keywords: Breast screening; Clinicians' views; Low grade DCIS.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / pathology*
  • Consensus
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Grading
  • Surveys and Questionnaires