Helpful Websites
Navigating a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) can be overwhelming, especially when information is scattered or hard to understand. We’ve curated a list of trusted, evidence-based websites to help you make sense of your diagnosis, understand your treatment options, explore emerging research, and advocate for the care that’s right for you. These resources include national clinical guidelines, educational materials, and patient decision aids—each chosen specifically for their relevance to DCIS. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, weighing treatment choices, or seeking the latest data, these resources offer a strong foundation for informed and empowered decision-making.
Clinical Guidelines and Recommendations
Trusted organizations that publish evidence-based standards for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of DCIS.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN): NCCN publishes expert-developed clinical guidelines used by oncologists nationwide. DCIS patients can find reliable guidance in Guidelines for Patients section.
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): ASCO provides research-backed treatment guidelines for oncologists and increasingly for patients as well. The ASCO Guidelines section includes recommendations on DCIS-related care.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF): USPSTF offers independent, evidence-based recommendations for preventive care, including breast cancer screening. Their guidance helps patients understand when and how often to get screened—useful information for those at risk or already diagnosed with DCIS. Search their Recommendations section using DCIS as the keyword.
General DCIS Information for Patients
Easy-to-understand overviews of DCIS from leading cancer organizations.
American Cancer Society (ACS): ACS provides patient-friendly explanations of DCIS and breast cancer, including stages, treatments, and survivorship. Their DCIS overview page and Treatment by Stage section are especially useful for newly diagnosed patients trying to understand what their diagnosis means.
National Cancer Institute (NCI): NCI is the federal government’s main agency for cancer research. It offers a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of DCIS, including treatment options, clinical trials, and research updates. Visit the treatment page or search “ductal carcinoma in situ” in their Cancer Types section for evidence-based summaries.
MedlinePlus: MedlinePlus is run by the National Library of Medicine and provides trustworthy information, with links to DCIS-specific pages from Mayo Clinic, Harvard Health, and other respected sources. Enter “DCIS” into the search box.
BreastCancer.org: This nonprofit site offers compassionate, easy-to-understand content. Their DCIS section explains diagnosis, treatments, side effects, and emotional support in everyday language. Articles are written and reviewed by medical professionals. Their community forums offer peer support.
Specialized DCIS Programs and Decision Support Tools
Programs that offer expert information and individualized care specifically for DCIS patients, and interactive tools to help you better understand your risk and options.
DCIS PRECISION Project: An international research effort aiming to reduce overtreatment of DCIS by identifying which cases are truly low-risk. The site offers plain-language summaries, information about clinical trials, and insights into how researchers are working to personalize DCIS care. Great for patients exploring active surveillance or seeking the science behind less aggressive treatment options.
DCISOptions Decision Support Tool: An interactive tool that helps patients weigh the pros and cons of different treatment approaches based on personal preferences and values. Great for making decisions that align with your lifestyle and goals. The site also offers clear educational material tailored specifically to DCIS.
MSKCC DCIS Recurrence Nomogram – Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: An interactive calculator that helps patients who have had breast-conserving surgery for DCIS see their personalized risk of recurrence in the same breast over 5 or 10 years. You enter easily available information (e.g., age, grade of DCIS, margin status, whether radiation or hormone treatment is planned), and it provides estimates to help guide discussions with your doctor about options like radiation or surveillance plans.
Dana-Farber DCIS Program: Dana-Farber’s specialized DCIS Program brings together a team of experts to offer individualized care for DCIS patients. The program page explains treatment approaches, clinical trials, and support services—helpful for patients seeking second opinions or advanced, multidisciplinary care.
FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered: FORCE supports individuals with hereditary breast cancer risk, including those with DCIS and BRCA mutations. Their resources include guidance on genetic testing, risk reduction, and patient support networks.
Data and Research Tools
Resources that offer statistics, outcomes data, and research trends related to DCIS. While more technical, these sources provide trustworthy data for those who want to dig deeper.
ClinicalTrials.gov – DCIS Trials: Explore ongoing clinical trials for DCIS in the U.S. You can filter by location or type of treatment. Ask your doctor for help understanding whether a study might be right for you.
SEER Cancer Statistics (NCI): SEER is a program of the National Cancer Institute that collects and publishes cancer statistics.
National Cancer Database – American College of Surgeons (NCDB): NCDB is one of the largest sources of cancer outcomes data in the U.S. Researchers and advocates use this database to study real-world trends in treatment and outcomes. It’s a valuable source of information on DCIS treatment patterns and quality measures.