How DCIS treatment is decided

All women with DCIS are currently recommended to have treatment. This reduces the risk of DCIS progressing to invasive breast cancer. 

You should not feel rushed into making decisions about DCIS treatment. It is okay to take a few weeks to understand which treatment you would prefer. Talk with your family, friends or other important people in your life to decide what is best for you.

How treatment decisions are made

It’s important you are as involved as you want to be in decisions about your treatment. Often, women say their fear about DCIS returning or becoming invasive breast cancer has the strongest influence on their treatment decisions.

Other factors that influence decisions are:

• the potential side effects of treatment
• the impact treatment may have on their quality of life.

It is important you discuss any concerns you have with your treatment team.

Treatment for DCIS is based on:

• where in the breast the DCIS is located
• the size of the DCIS is affected
• the grade and cell features.

Your treating team will also consider:

• your individual situation
• the pathology report and imaging tests
• your risk factors such as a family history of breast cancer
• recommendations of the specialists in your multidisciplinary team
• your general health 
• your personal preferences. 

If you feel unsure, you can ask for a second opinion from another doctor. This may help you feel more confident with your choice of treatment.

Read Treatment for DCIS to understand the options.