Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider About Ductal Carcinoma in Situ

• What grade of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) do I have (high, low, or intermediate)?
• What type of surgery do you recommend for my type of DCIS and why?
• What are the risks and complications of surgery for DCIS?
• Will I also require radiation therapy after surgery?
• Will I need anti-hormone therapy with tamoxifen?
• What are the risks and benefits of tamoxifen therapy?
• What is the long-term prognosis for my type of DCIS?
• What is the likelihood that my DCIS will recur after treatment?
• What ongoing monitoring will be necessary to detect any recurrence?