Ductal carcinoma in situ patients often mistake risks.(Gynecology)

BOSTON -- Many women with newly diagnosed ductal carcinoma in situ harbor grossly inaccurate perceptions of the breast cancer risks they face, which can influence their decision making and health behaviors as well as psychosocial outcomes, reported Ann H. Partridge, M.D.

The most common type of noninvasive breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a relatively low-risk disease. With early detection, the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100%, "thus it has a very small impact on a woman's overall survival," Dr. Partridge said in a presentation at a breast cancer meeting sponsored by Harvard Medical School.

In contrast, a longitudinal study has shown the perception of risk among women diagnosed with the condition to be "substantial," she said.

In a cohort of 499 women newly diagnosed with DCIS participating in a study of psychosocial concerns, risk perceptions, and health behaviors, 55% believed that it was at least moderately likely the disease would recur within 5 years. Additionally, 68% of the women reported a moderate or greater likelihood of lifetime recurrence; 38% thought they were at risk for invasive disease in the next 5 years; 53% perceived a greater lifetime risk of invasive disease; and 28% indicated a moderate or greater likelihood of their breast cancer spreading to other parts of their body, reported Dr. Partridge of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

A multivariate model showed that anxiety at baseline, as ...