Background to IBIS-II DCIS
DCIS stands for Ductal Carcinoma in Situ and is an early form of breast cancer whereby the cells inside the milk ducts of the breast (the channels that carry milk to the nipple) have started to turn into cancer cells. Since these cells are contained within the ducts, it is unlikely that the cells have spread to the lymph nodes or elsewhere in the body.
Some doctors describe DCIS as a pre-cancerous condition because it often develops into an invasive cancer if it is not treated.
Women who have had DCIS are at an increased risk of more advanced forms of breast cancer in the future.
