NCCN Quick Guide™ | Stage 0 Breast Cancer

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NCCN Guidelines for Patients®
Breast Cancer - Carcinoma in Situ (Stage 0), Version 1.2016
What is stage 0 breast cancer?
■ Stage 0 breast cancer includes LCIS (lobular carcinoma i n situ) and DCIS (ductal
c arcinoma in situ). These terms can be unclear because LCIS isn’t cancer but DCIS is.
■ LCIS is an abnormal growth of cells within the breast parts that make breast milk.
■ DCIS is breast cancer that hasn’t grown outside of the milk ducts in the breast.
Does LCIS need to be treated?
■ The tumor will be removed and tests will be done to confirm there’s no cancer.
■ If you are likely to have breast cancer in the future, you may want to reduce your chances
by 1) making changes in your lifestyle, 2) taking treatment that stops cancer growth caused
by hormones (endocrine therapy), or 3) if at high-risk, have your breasts removed.
■ Breast exams by your doctor and yourself as well as pictures of the insides of your breasts,
called mammograms, are advised so as to find any cancer early.
What health care do I need before treatment for DCIS?
■ A report of your health history and an exam of your body
■ Pictures of the insides of your breasts by a mammogram and maybe MRI
■ Test for a marker—estrogen receptors—within breast cancer cells
■ Advice on genetic tests if breast cancer risk was likely passed down from your parents
NCCN Quick Guidetm
NCCN Guidelines
for Patients®
Page Number
This NCCNQuick Guidetm sheet summarizes key points from the complete
reast Cancer – Carcinoma in Situ (stage 0). These guidelines explain which tests and
treatments are recommended by experts in cancer. To view and download the guidelines, visit
or, to order printed copies, visit
Breast Cancer
Carcinoma in Situ
STAGE 0 Version 1.2016