A new study from the Netherlands offers encouraging news for women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Researchers followed nearly 19,000 women diagnosed between 1999 and 2015 and looked at how many went on to die of breast cancer over the next decade. The results may surprise you: only about 1.3% of women died from breast cancer within ten years of their DCIS diagnosis. This suggests that, while DCIS carries some risk, the vast majority of women will not die of breast cancer in the decade following their diagnosis.
The study also compared women with DCIS to the general population. It found that the breast cancer death risk was 2.1‑times higher in women with DCIS compared to the general Dutch female population—confirming an elevated cancer-related risk. However, their overall risk of dying from any cause was 7% lower than the general population. Researchers think this may reflect a “healthy-user effect”—in other words, women who are diagnosed with DCIS may be more likely to attend screenings, keep up with medical appointments, and take care of their health overall.
One of the most striking findings was the difference between women whose DCIS was detected through screening mammograms and those diagnosed outside of screening. Women whose DCIS was found during screening were significantly less likely to die of breast cancer in the years after diagnosis. The study also showed that socio-economic status plays an important role. Women from higher-income backgrounds had better outcomes, especially in the first few years after diagnosis, highlighting the impact of access to care and resources.
For patients, this study offers both reassurance and perspective. On the one hand, the chances of dying from breast cancer after a DCIS diagnosis are low, especially when the condition is found through screening. On the other hand, the fact that outcomes differ based on how the cancer is detected and a patient’s socio-economic situation shows why personalized, equitable care matters. Access to quality care and clear communication about treatment options can make a real difference in long-term health.
Ultimately, the message is hopeful: most women with DCIS will not face life-threatening outcomes in the decade after diagnosis. At the same time, this research is a reminder that screening and supportive healthcare systems are vital. It also underscores why advocacy—like ensuring every patient receives clear information and equal access to resources—remains so important.
To read the full study, click here.