Breast Cancer, as are all cancers, is on the rise.  Women have a 13% chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. The average age of a breast cancer diagnosis has statistically been around 65. Now, roughly 9% of breast cancer diagnoses are in women under age 45 with this percentage continually rising(1). Cancer strikes at a younger and younger age, and 20 - 25% of all breast cancers are ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS (2). The good news is that this condition does not spread to other parts of the breast tissue. Some call DCIS stage 0 or noninvasive cancer. So, is DCIS cancer or not? 

Technically speaking, by conventional medicine standards, yes. However, this type doesn’t usually metastasize. Additionally, it’s classified as stage 0, so it’s not nearly as scary as conventional medicine leads us to believe. In fact, I had a similar situation happen to me not too long ago. 

My first breast cancer scare was in 2014, when they discovered calcifications for the first time during a routine mammogram. I was referred to a breast surgeon and oncologist who recommended a breast biopsy, an MRI with contrast, and prescribed Tomoxifin for the next 5 years. I opted for the breast biopsy (which thankfully was negative) and declined the latter two, instead opting to do thermograms and taking my EstroProtect daily. I will have an article about the dangers of gadolinium dye soon. 

In 2024, I had another scare. My annual mammogram picked up calcifications again. After speaking with the radiologist, she said, best case scenario, it’s nothing, and worst case scenario, it is DCIS.  She again recommended an MRI with contrast and another breast biopsy. I declined both and opted for a full body MRI without contrast with Prenovo (click the link to receive $300 of your next scan) and a QT scan. I also did a screening blood test to look for circulating tumor cells, which I will have an article on this soon!  Thankfully all turned out negative again. To hear my full story, take a listen to my solo podcast. You’ll understand why I will no longer get a mammogram. 

If you’ve recently received a DCIS diagnosis or know someone who has, what are your options? Don’t worry! I’m here to ease your mind. My functional medicine approach will empower you with knowledge as you navigate this chapter. You’ll learn what causes DCIS, as well as alternatives to conventional treatment options. Before I get into that, let’s dive deeper into what ductal carcinoma in situ DCIS is. 

Understanding Ductal Carcinoma in Situ

Breast tissue consists of glandular, fatty and connective tissue. The glands in the breast include mammary glands that produce milk. They also include mammary ducts that store and transport the milk. Ductal carcinoma in situ DCIS develops when there is a genetic mutation in the cells of the duct lining. This initiates cells to grow and divide at an uncontrollable rate. 

What makes DCIS different? Well, invasive cancers grow into other tissues and metastasize. Ductal carcinoma in situ DCIS does not usually do that. Instead, it tends to stay local (3). For this reason, medical experts classify DCIS as noninvasive. Some also classify it as stage 0 breast cancer. This is good news since DCIS stage 0 has little chance of spreading to other tissues. Rarely, however, DCIS in situ will turn into an invasive cancer. This is why conventional physicians treat DCIS in patients with surgery, radiation, and sometimes chemotherapy. 

Another way ductal carcinoma in situ DCIS differs from invasive breast cancers is how the cells change. The breast duct consists of three layers of cells. There is an outer membrane and a myoepithelial cell wall in the middle. There are also the luminal epithelial cells closest to the center. The center of the duct remains open to allow milk to pass through. DCIS in situ causes abnormal cellular growth in the luminal epithelial cells. As more cancer cells grow and divide, they take up room in the lumen. This fills up the space inside. 

These clusters can show up as small white specks on a mammogram. Medical experts also call these calcifications. Women who are over the age of 50 are more prone to developing ductal carcinoma in situ DCIS.

What Causes DCIS? 

Now you understand a little more about how DCIS develops. Genetic mutations within the epithelial cell wall are to blame. Yet, how exactly does this happen? What causes DCIS?

As with all diseases, functional medicine views ductal carcinoma in situ DCIS as a deeper imbalance in the body. Inflammation fuels the fire to many of these ailments. In fact, there is a strong connection between inflammation and genetic mutations. It can even play a role in your risk for certain cancers (4). 

There are several factors that contribute to systemic inflammation. Diets high in processed food, carbohydrates, and refined sugars can irritate the gut. Compromised gut function can also trigger an immune response. This can lead to intestinal permeability or leaky gut. In my podcast interview with Dr. Vincent Pedre, we discuss his IBS story and the role of a healthy gut in overall health.  

Leaky gut also affects the gut microbiome. If you're not consuming enough gut-supporting foods, the balance becomes disrupted. Around 80% of your immune system lives in your gut. If they are constantly putting out fires, it begins to slow down and weaken. This makes you susceptible to chronic infections, as well as system inflammation. It can also contribute to hormonal imbalances.

This also applies to nutrient deficiencies. Your body needs Omega-3s, vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin C to support a healthy immune system. These help regulate your inflammatory responses and protect against free radical damage (5).

Other lifestyle habits such as chronic stress, lack of sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle add to the strain on your body. Over time, your body becomes a ticking time bomb for genetic mutations. Remember, all cancer begins as a genetic mutation.

DCIS Symptoms 

As I mentioned earlier, women with ductal carcinoma in situ DCIS often show no symptoms. Typically, an annual mammogram will detect DCIS as small calcium deposits. These calcium deposits are also called calcifications. 

Occasionally, women experience DCIS symptoms such as nipple discharge. Sometimes there is a small amount of blood with the discharge. In some instances, you may feel a small lump. While this is rare, it does happen. Another rare symptom is Paget's disease of the breast. This is when an itchy, eczema-like skin rash appears on the nipple and areola (6). 

Conventional Detection and Diagnosis

Conventional medicine diagnoses about 90% of DCIS during mammograms. Anything that looks suspicious may warrant further diagnostic testing. Some healthcare providers may recommend an MRI or ultrasound. These tools help create a more thorough image of the breast tissue. 

In addition, a biopsy may help determine the nature of the mass. A biopsy involves inserting a needle into the tissue to retrieve a sample of tissue. While it's a very common procedure, it's not always necessary. Oftentimes, overtreatment causes more stress and anxiety than peace of mind.

If you do opt for the biopsy, request that you skip the titanium clip. 

Once you have a diagnosis, you have limited conventional treatment options. Usually, your choices are surgery, radiation, and sometimes chemotherapy. Since many DCIS in situ cases never turn into invasive cancers, these methods can create further health complications. Many women develop heart disease and a weakened immune system from too much radiation (7). It can also increase your risk for invasive cancers.

Alternatives to Detecting and Diagnosis

If you don’t want to experience complications from conventional medicine, you have alternatives. Let’s discuss the growing number of diagnostic and treatment alternatives available. 

CTC Blood Tests

One way to detect DCIS is with a liquid biopsy method. A simple blood test to screen for cancer risk in patients is growing in demand. One example of this is Datar, an FDA-approved blood test that accurately detects cancer in its earliest stages. Datar uses cutting-edge technology to provide noninvasive, personalized treatment options. It can distinguish up to 70 types of solid tumors and has a sensitivity of 88% in the detection of cancer at all stages and types. Real-world data has shown a sensitivity, depending on the tumor, of 65% - 89% and a specificity of 96% - 99%. (8)

Galleri is another blood test screening option. This test is prescription only and screens for cancer in people over the age of 50. However, there is some concern about the accuracy of these tests, so use caution. 

RGCC is another noninvasve approach offers personalized cancer treatments based on your needs. It also provides integrative solutions that target suspicious cells. Keep in mind that RGCC is internationally owned and is not FDA-approved. Although the founder started the company in 2004, it lacks credibility in the US. 

Breast Ultrasound

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of tissues. This gentle, noninvasive method helps guide biopsy needles when needed. They’re great if you have dense breast tissue like me.

QT Imaging

While ultrasounds are wonderful, an even better option is a QT scan. QT Imaging is a safe and effective alternative to conventional methods. I recommend using QT Imaging, Datar, and thermography every three to six months. The combination of these three tests can be very helpful if you choose to opt out of mammograms.

Thermography

Lastly, you can also choose thermography. Thermography uses infrared technology to measure surface heat and detect suspect areas of concern. This method is also ideal for maintenance. If you have been doing thermograms, you could repeat one and see if any changes. This helps establish a solid baseline. 

What To Do After a DCIS Diagnosis

If you've recently received a DCIS diagnosis I understand how scary that might feel. First and foremost, take a deep breath and relax. You have time. Investigate and do your research. Are you metabolically flexible? Try fasting and ketosis. Remember that healing your gut can help lower systemic inflammation. It also supports better immune system function. 

Supporting positive thinking is also part of the healing journey. For this reason, I recommend you read books that take a functional medicine approach to cancer treatment. One of my favorites is The Cancer Revolution by Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy. In it, she shares her groundbreaking program that has helped thousands of people reverse and prevent cancer. You can also listen to our podcast episode together where we dive deep into integrative approaches to beating cancer.

Another book I recommend is The Metabolic Approach to Cancer by Dr. Nasha Winters. This book brilliantly reveals 10 key elements of a person’s “terrain” that play a critical role in preventing and managing cancer. In this podcast episode, Dr. Winters goes in-depth into why conducting a self-audit is important. We also discuss root causes for cancer, as well as ways to prevent it. 

The Final Word on Is DCIS Cancer or Not?

Ductal carcinoma in situ DCIS makes up about 25% of all breast cancer cases. However, unlike invasive cancers, this type tends to stay local. Its noninvasive nature reduces the risk of metastasizing down the road. That might make you wonder, is DCIS cancer or not?

Conventional medicine says yes. However, it often causes more of an uproar than necessary. There is usually no need for chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. If a recent mammogram picked up calcifications, ask about alternative testing and treatment options. Diagnostic tools such as QT Imaging, Datar, and Thermography can help determine the specifics of your DCIS in situ. These methods also reduce your radiation exposure. 

Remember, it’s important to continue nourishing your body. That way, it can continue supporting healthy DNA formation. It’s also important to make sure your nutrients are bioavailable, which is a topic Dr. Chris Kresser and I discuss on my podcast. Getting optimal amounts of Omega-3s helps support a healthy inflammatory response. It’s also critical to get the right amount of vitamins and minerals to support a healthy cell life cycle. The Myers Way® Multivitamin helps set the stage for healthy genetic expression. It also includes high levels of zinc, iodine, selenium, and chromium. These minerals aid in natural detoxification. This helps reduce the buildup of toxins in your cells, which can lead to inflammation. 

I also recommend EstroProtect to promote a healthy balance of estrogen in the body. Excess estrogen in the body can trigger an inflammatory response, as well as invasive cancer down the road. Each of these addresses the multifunctional systems within your body. By helping your cells function optimally, you are taking control of your health!