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We know that ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS — the most common type of noninvasive breast cancer — is frightening and difficult for those who are diagnosed with the disease, as well as for their families and friends. We hope the information in this web site will help you understand DCIS (also known as intraductal carcinoma), make informed medical decisions, and cope with the new world that those with DCIS face. Many people have said that a DCIS diagnosis is like entering Alice's wonderland — at first, everything is confusing. Medical terms and routines are bewildering, treatments are scary, and emotions can get out of control. You can navigate through this foreign landscape. Don't be afraid to ask for help, demand the care and attention that you need from your medical and support teams, and take time to do things for yourself. We have tried not to overwhelm you — some readers will want more information in terms of quantity and technicality, others will find this more than enough. Hopefully, we will provide all readers with a better understanding of DCIS. We encourage you to talk with your doctor until you are comfortable with the information you have and with your decision. For those of you who want even more information, we have provided additional resources. This Web site focuses only on DCIS, not on invasive breast cancer. Invasive breast cancer refers to cancer cells that have moved out of the original site and invaded other tissues in the body. The information provided in this web site will be updated regularly, so check in from time to time. An important statistic to remember: The survival rate for women with DCIS is very good — nearly 100%.
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