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The evidence-based recommendations described below outline the standard follow-up procedures for ductal carcinoma in situ surveillance once you have finished your treatment and are intended to help you and your primary care provider in knowing the most updated information for follow-up care. These recommendations are not a substitute for your cancer doctor or primary care provider’s clinical judgement and advice.
ON THIS PAGE:
Overview|Follow-up|Support & Recommendations|Ongoing Care
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a noninvasive (pre-cancerous) diagnosis in which abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct. The abnormal cells haven’t spread past the duct to other areas of the breast. If DCIS is left untreated though, it has the potential to become invasive and spread.
If you have undergone a mastectomy, all of the DCIS has been surgically removed. Because of this, there is only a very low risk of DCIS or invasive breast cancer recurring (returning) at the mastectomy site.
Therefore, you will likely not be seen by a cancer specialist (oncologist) at the cancer centre at this time.
If you have had breast conserving surgery like a partial mastectomy or segmental resection, there may be a need to have further therapy (radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or estrogen-blocking hormone therapy like tamoxifen) to further lower your risk of recurrence.
Your surgeon and cancer doctor (oncologist) will explain your options if this applies to you.
Remember: it is your responsibility to book your follow-up visits with your primary care provider so they can arrange the tests you need.
Since we feel you are doing well, your primary health care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) can safely do your follow-up.
Have a mammogram of your breast(s) every year. If you’ve had a complete mastectomy or complete mastectomy with reconstruction, mammograms are not needed on that side. Supplemental breast ultrasound can be added to mammography in the setting of extremely dense breast tissue (American College of Radiology category D) and/or at the discretion of the reading radiologist.
Have an exam of your breast(s) and/or chest wall (mastectomy site) and armpits every 6 months for 2 years, and then once a year after that.
There is no evidence to support the use of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) as a cancer screening method. To learn more about recognizable signs and symptoms of breast cancer, visit Breast Screening - Screening for Life.
Other routine follow-up investigations (like lab work, tumour markers, x-rays) are NOT recommended if you are not having any worrisome symptoms.
If you need a family doctor, you can find one by calling Health Link (811) or visit Alberta Find a Provider. Once you have a doctor, let them know they can view the healthcare provider follow-up recommendations at ahs.ca/guru.
If there are any concerns about your treatment or cancer returning, your family doctor will refer you back to us.
Note: The follow-up care information on this page is for people who have finished ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) treatment and is based on the sample Patient letter from the Cancer Guidelines website. These letters have been reviewed and approved by the Provincial Tumour Teams.
This information can help you and your primary care provider understand what follow-up care you may need. It does not replace the advice of your cancer doctor or primary care provider.
At the end of your treatment, your cancer doctor may send you a similar letter with recommendations that are specific to your care.
For health advice 24/7 phone 811 a free health information service. You have options to speak with a variety of health professionals.
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