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Stage 0 or Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) is a common non-invasive breast cancer, where cancer cells are still within the ducts and have not grown out to breach the duct linings into the surrounding normal breast tissue.
DCIS, also known as Stage 0 breast cancer, unlike invasive breast cancer, is not life-threatening, but it can increase the risk of developing an invasive breast cancer.
“DCIS accounts for more than 30 per cent of breast cancer in younger, pre-menopausal women”, said Dr Ong Kong Wee. The vast majority of DCIS is detected via mammogram screening.
DCIS cancer cells lack two important features of Stage 1 breast cancer: The ability to invade and destroy the surrounding healthy tissues, and the propensity to spread via the blood vessels and lymphatic ducts.
The mainstay for treating DCIS is surgery, the aim is to remove the DCIS. Radiotherapy would be required to treat the rest of the breast tissues after surgery. As DCIS is confined to the breast, localised treatments such as surgery and radiotherapy, are sufficient in addressing the problem, said Dr Ong. “This translates to an excellent cure rate after surgery without the need for harsh treatment, such as chemotherapy.”
Featured in CNA, Dr Ong Kong Wee explains what Ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS mean and how it is treated.
Excerpt from article published on 14 Aug 2024, Channel NewsAsia.