What does it really mean to be diagnosed with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ)—often called “stage zero” breast cancer?

In this in-depth episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host Laura Carfang is joined by a breast surgical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, and a patient advocate to unpack why DCIS can be both reassuring and deeply complex. While survival rates are excellent, treatment decisions often involve difficult trade-offs between reducing recurrence risk and preserving long-term quality of life.

The panel explores how advances in tumor biology, radiation techniques, and genomic testing—particularly the DecisionRT test—are helping clinicians and patients personalize care. Together, they discuss when radiation may meaningfully reduce recurrence risk, when it may be safely avoided, and how shared decision-making empowers patients to choose treatment paths based on information rather than fear.

Guests:

Dr. Erica Giblin, a breast surgical oncologist in Indianapolis and Director of Breast Surgical Oncology at Ascension, who brings a surgeon’s perspective on balancing effective treatment with long-term survivorship.

Dr. Fleure Gallant, a nationally recognized leader in breast radiation oncology and Radiation Medicine Lead for the Breast Disease Management Team at Northwell Health Cancer Institute, whose work focuses on delivering highly personalized, quality-of-life-centered care.

And Dr. Leona Hamrick, Vice President of Global Medical Affairs at PreludeDx, a board-certified physician associate with decades of experience in internal medicine and oncology diagnostics—and an 11-year stage III breast cancer survivor who brings the patient voice into every scientific conversation.

Topics Discussed:

What DCIS is—and why it’s considered non-invasive breast cancer
Why DCIS is classified as stage zero, regardless of size
How DCIS differs from invasive breast cancer and LCIS
Why a DCIS diagnosis can still be emotionally traumatic
Standard treatment approaches: lumpectomy, mastectomy, radiation, and hormone therapy
When and why radiation therapy is recommended after DCIS
How radiation schedules have evolved (5 days vs. 3–6 weeks)
What DecisionRT measures and how it helps predict recurrence risk
Why tumor biology matters more than age alone
Shared decision-making vs. fear-based decision-making
Quality-of-life considerations, especially for younger patients
Why more options can sometimes feel more overwhelming
The importance of second opinions and patient self-advocacy
How DCIS care is moving toward personalization and de-escalation

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281. DCIS Isn’t “Nothing”: Stage Zero Breast Cancer and the Decisions No One Explains