Actress Danielle Fishel shared her breast cancer diagnosis this week, revealing on Monday’s episode of her podcast, “Pod Meets World,” that she is being treated for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
“It’s very, very, very early,” said the “Boy Meets World” alumna, 43. “It’s technically Stage 0. To be specific, I was diagnosed with high-grade DCIS with micro-invasion. And I will be well. I’m having surgery to remove it. I’ve had to make a lot of decisions over the last couple of days.”
Here’s everything you need to know about this very early form of breast cancer.
What is ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)?
DCIS is a non-invasive form of breast cancer that affects the cells of the milk ducts. DCIS accounts for about 20% to 25% of breast cancer diagnoses in the US.
Breast surgical oncologist Dr. Bonnie Sun explains that most cases are diagnosed with mammograms before symptoms get started
Typically, DCIS shows up as calcium deposits on a scan or, more rarely, a distortion of the breast tissue.
Understanding DCIS
For patients with DCIS, the cells that make up the lining of their milk ducts turn cancerous but remain in situ, or in situ, meaning they don’t grow through the duct wall or spread into the bloodstream or lymph nodes. .
Because DCIS is a noninvasive form of cancer that does not spread throughout the body, or metastasize, the condition does not require chemotherapy.
Symptoms of DCIS
- scratching
- A break in the skin
- Bloody discharge
When cancer cells begin to populate the milk duct, patients may experience itching or the formation of a sore. Men, who do not usually undergo mammography, may notice a bloody discharge from the nipple or lump.
How is DCIS diagnosed?
DCIS is usually detected through mammography. If calcifications are detected, the doctor will recommend a breast biopsy. A non-surgical, outpatient procedure known as a stereotactic needle biopsy can diagnose DCIS.
What is the treatment for DCIS?
The standard treatment for DCIS is a combination of surgery and radiation. Typically, a breast-conserving lumpectomy is performed to remove the cancer, and the remaining tissue is treated with radiation therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Fishel’s podcast comments suggest she will pursue this course of treatment. If so, the risk of local recurrence ranges from 5% to 15%.
For patients who have DCIS in more than one quadrant of the same breast, mastectomy is recommended. If a mastectomy is performed, radiation therapy is not necessary. In those who undergo a mastectomy, the risk of local recurrence is less than 2%.
Sun says that proper treatment can completely resolve the problem. “This is a local disease and treatment with surgery may be sufficient,” she explained. “Chemotherapy is not necessary, and in some cases, hormonal drugs and radiation are not either.”
She states that although vigilance is required, the prognosis is often favorable: “With continued and rigorous monitoring, the prognosis for DCIS is excellent. Your doctor will recommend a regular screening program to protect against recurrence in the original breast and to monitor the other breast for any signs of malignancy.”
How can I prevent DCIS?
Mammography cannot prevent DCIS, but it can help with early detection, translating into better outcomes.
As Fishel shares, “The only reason I caught this cancer when it’s still Stage 0 is because the day I got my text that my annual mammogram came up, I made the appointment…And they found it so, so, so early. that I’ll be fine.”
She encourages others to be vigilant and proactive when it comes to their health, “If it’s time for your appointment, if you’ve never had an appointment before, get in there. If you need to find out you have cancer, find out when it is at stage 0, if possible.”
Famous people with DCIS
In addition to Fishel, comedian Wanda Sykes, musician Sheryl Crow, model Janice Dickinson and ESPN broadcaster Hannah Storm have all been treated for DCIS.
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Image Source : nypost.com