More intensive treatment of DCIS reduces the risk of invasive breast cancer

This study showed that increased cancer risk persisted for more than 15 years after a diagnosis of DCIS, and that more intensive therapy than lumpectomy alone — whether with mastectomy, radiation therapy, or endocrine therapy — reduced the risk of invasive breast cancer among women with DCIS. The lowest risk of invasive breast cancer was in women who chose mastectomy. The risk of invasive breast cancer was seen regardless of severity of DCIS. Women who had low- or moderate-grade DCIS, as well as high-grade DCIS, had long-term increased risk. Women who are recently diagnosed with DCIS should work with their treatment team to weigh the best individual treatment strategies based on their preferences and other health conditions. This new research validates the need to consider the long-term consequences of DCIS when making treatment decisions, and it may prompt doctors and patients to consider more intensive treatments to reduce later risk of invasive breast cancer and risk of dying of breast cancer. While no details on surveillance strategies, such as regular mammograms or other exams, were presented in this study, based on these results, patients with DCIS should continue active surveillance for breast cancer for decades after their diagnosis. The post More intensive treatment of DCIS reduces the risk of invasive breast cancer appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Breast Cancer Women's Health Source Type: blogs