Is DCIS really cancer?

Page last modified on: June 3, 2008

Question from Earthact: What is the latest on whether DCIS is really cancer or not?

Answer —Beth DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.: DCIS is a form of breast cancer that we consider a non-invasive, or not having broken through the duct wall into the breast. Ductal carcinoma in situ is a very diverse form of non-invasive cancer and depending on the specific pathology (whether the DCIS is low-grade, intermediate-grade or high-grade) combined with the extent of the disease will determine the appropriate form of treatment. A confusion often comes up between the disease we call lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or lobular neoplasia and DCIS, as LCIS is considered a marker for future risk of breast cancer and DCIS is truly a form of breast cancer that is non-invasive. Their treatments are completely different.

On Wednesday, September 20, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Open for Your Questions. Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions covering a wide variety of issues relating to breast cancer.


The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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