The Weiser Family Center for Breast Cancer is dedicated to providing compassionate, cutting-edge care for individuals affected by breast cancer. We enhance lives through early detection, personalized treatment, and survivorship support, while advancing research, education, and advocacy. Our unwavering commitment is to make a meaningful difference, improving breast cancer outcomes for all.

If you're a patient interested in making an appointment, please call 734-647-8902. 

Healthcare providers looking to refer a patient, please contact M-LINE: 800-962-3555.

For those with questions, please contact our Cancer AnswerLine at 800-865-1125.

Most women with DCIS do not experience symptoms. It's usually found through screening mammograms. In some cases, there may be a breast lump or nipple discharge, but these are less common.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases the chance of developing a disease. The following are potential risk factors for breast cancer:

• Age: Most common in women over 40.
• Family History: Having a family history of breast cancer increases the risk.
• Genetic Mutations: Certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, heighten the risk.
• Hormonal Factors: Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy and early menstruation may increase risk.

DCIS is most frequently detected through routine mammograms as it often presents with microcalcifications (tiny calcium deposits) that can be seen on the imaging.

Once DCIS is suspected based on a mammogram, a biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the abnormal cells.

Treatment for DCIS aims to remove the DCIS and reduce the risk of it developing into invasive cancer. Options include:

Surgery

• Lumpectomy: Removal of the abnormal cells and a margin of surrounding normal tissue. Often followed by radiation therapy.
• Mastectomy: Removal of the breast; may be recommended if the extent of DCIS is larger.

Radiation Therapy

This treatment may be recommended after lumpectomy to reduce the risk of recurrence.  Learn more about this type of treatment on our Radiation Treatment for Breast Cancer webpage. There's also information on the U-M Health's Radiation Therapy webpage.

Hormonal Therapy

For hormone receptor-positive DCIS, medications like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors may be recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Prognosis

The prognosis for DCIS is very good, with high survival rates.

Follow-Up Care

Regular follow-up care and monitoring, including mammograms, are essential to ensure the DCIS has not recurred and to monitor overall breast health.

Early detection and treatment of DCIS can significantly reduce the risk of developing invasive breast cancer.

The psychosocial impacts of breast cancer are profound and multifaceted, necessitating a comprehensive approach to care that addresses emotional, psychological, and social needs. At the Weiser Family Center for Breast Cancer, we understand by leveraging a range of support services and resources, breast cancer patients can better cope with their diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment phases, enhancing their overall quality of life.

For more specific information on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment information, please visit the following pages on the different types of breast cancer:

• Hereditary Breast Cancer
• Inflammatory Breast Cancer
• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
• Male Breast Cancer
• Metastatic Breast Cancer
• Tumor Receptors & Breast Cancer
• Aromatase Inhibitors Musculoskeletal Symptoms (AIMSS)
• Breast Cancer & Sexual Health
• Breast Cancer & Young Women
• Breast Cancer & Older Adults

The following links to services and articles providing additional information and support for breast cancer patients and their families:

• Lumpectomy & Axillary Surgery: A Patient Care Guide for Before and After Surgery

• Lumpectomy & Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: A Patient Care Guide for Before and After Surgery

• Mastectomy: A Patient Care Guide for Before and After Surgery

• Mastectomy & Axillary Surgery: A Patient Care Guide for Before and After Surgery

• Axillary Surgery: A Patient Care Guide for Before and After Surgery

Related services offered by U-M Health:

• Weiser Family Center for Breast Cancer Peer Mentoring Program
• Lymphedema Screening and Early Detection Program
• Support Services