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• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Gillian - Interview 4 >> Gillian was with her husband when she was told she had DCIS. She was shocked, scared and, later, tearful. She found it hard to talk to anyone and felt

Gillian was diagnosed with high-grade DCIS in 2006, aged 50, a year after her first routine mammogram. She had two breast conserving operations and, later, a mastectomy.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: under 50 >> Jane - Interview 14 >> After localisation, Jane waited over an hour to have surgery. She was on her own in a private room and felt a bit anxious.

Jane was diagnosed with DCIS after her first routine mammogram, aged 49. She had a wide local excision and is now getting on with life as normal.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Agnes - Interview 8 >> Waiting to have surgery made Agnes even more anxious and she had a headache. She would have liked more information beforehand about what would happen

Agnes had a wide local excision, after which some invasive cancer was also found. She will be having radiotherapy and taking tamoxifen.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: under 50 >> Pauline - Interview 28 >> Waiting for her test results was worse than finding out she had DCIS because Pauline thought it would be much more serious.

Pauline was diagnosed with DCIS in 2001, aged 49, after her first routine mammogram. She had two excisions, followed by a mastectomy and reconstruction using an implant. She also had radiotherapy and took tamoxifen for two years.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 55-60 >> Jean - Interview 13 >> Results should be given to women as quickly as possible because they can fear the worst at this time.

Jean was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer after a routine mammogram, aged 59. She had a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and is taking tamoxifen for five years.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 55-60 >> Ann - Interview 2 >> Ann has had a lot of pain and discomfort since her reconstruction. She had a tendon cut to ease the pain and will be having a nerve cut soon.

Ann was diagnosed with DCIS in 2005, aged 56. She had a mastectomy and LD flap reconstruction at the same time. She is currently taking tamoxifen.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 55-60 >> Eileen - Interview 24 >> Eileen was shocked that the doctors were looking for DCIS. Because she’d been able to postpone her biopsy she thought it would be nothing serious.

Eileen was diagnosed with DCIS in 2002 and had a mastectomy. Afterwards, she questioned the value of breast screening and chooses not to have routine mammograms.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 55-60 >> Ann - Interview 2 >> Ann felt uncomfortable and vulnerable having a biopsy. Having her husband with her helped.

Ann was diagnosed with DCIS in 2005, aged 56. She had a mastectomy and LD flap reconstruction at the same time. She is currently taking tamoxifen.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 55-60 >> Sandy - Interview 20 >> Sandy had to arrange her own transport from one hospital to another. She said waiting to have surgery was the longest four hours of her life.

Sandy was diagnosed with DCIS and, after a wide local excision, told the DCIS had actually been invasive cancer. She had radiotherapy and was taking tamoxifen.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Agnes - Interview 8 >> Agnes had very little pain after surgery but was unhappy on the ward. She found it noisy and felt it could have been better set up.

Agnes had a wide local excision, after which some invasive cancer was also found. She will be having radiotherapy and taking tamoxifen.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: under 50 >> Kath - Interview 12 >> Kath was extremely worried about having general anaesthetic because she’d had problems with it in the past. She was having a mastectomy and immediate

Kath was diagnosed with DCIS in 2007, aged 47, after seeing her GP because her breast felt dense. She had a mastectomy and LD flap reconstruction.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Patricia - Interview 7 >> Patricia was in tears just before surgery because she didn’t want a mastectomy. The operation went well, though, and she was playing sports again shor

Patricia was diagnosed with DCIS in 2007, aged 53. She had a mastectomy and LD flap reconstruction six months later. She will also be taking hormone therapy.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 65-70 >> Hilary - Interview 10 >> Hilary was anxious about having surgery at 67. Although she felt groggy after coming round, the operation went well.

Hilary was diagnosed with DCIS in 2007, aged 66. She had a mastectomy and immediate LD flap reconstruction. She was awaiting further surgery to match both breasts.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: under 50 >> Kath - Interview 12 >> Kath was anxious because her breast felt different, but wondered whether she was just imagining things because she’d been depressed.

Kath was diagnosed with DCIS in 2007, aged 47, after seeing her GP because her breast felt dense. She had a mastectomy and LD flap reconstruction.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Agnes - Interview 8 >> After surgery, Agnes felt a sense of loss because part of her breast had been removed.

Agnes had a wide local excision, after which some invasive cancer was also found. She will be having radiotherapy and taking tamoxifen.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Patricia - Interview 7 >> Patricia was recalled after her second routine mammogram. She was extremely anxious and convinced something would be wrong.

Patricia was diagnosed with DCIS in 2007, aged 53. She had a mastectomy and LD flap reconstruction six months later. She will also be taking hormone therapy.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: under 50 >> Sue - Interview 9 >> Sue had sleepless nights and thought the worst when she was recalled because she’d had benign breast problems in the past.

Sue was diagnosed with DCIS at 49 and had a wide local excision. She was pleased she went for the mammogram and recommends them to other women.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Carol - Interview 18 >> Although Carol’s friends and family were overjoyed to hear she was clear, it took her two weeks to accept it and start getting back to normal.

Carol was diagnosed with DCIS in 2008, aged 51. She had a wide local excision and was happy with the care and treatment she received.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Sandra - Interview 1 >> Sandra was confused about whether she needed radiotherapy. She wanted more information and found it helpful talking to her plastic surgeon.

Sandra was diagnosed with DCIS in 2007, aged 50. She had a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction using an implant. After surgery, Paget’s disease was also found.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Agnes - Interview 8 >> Agnes would have liked much more information when she was discharged from hospital. She recommended a book that she found very helpful.

Agnes had a wide local excision, after which some invasive cancer was also found. She will be having radiotherapy and taking tamoxifen.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Linda - Interview 3 >> Since leaving hospital, Linda has not contacted the breast care nurse. She prefers support from other women she has contacted on website forums.

Linda was diagnosed with DCIS in 2007, aged 53. She had a wide local excision, followed by a mastectomy. She was also prescribed Nolvadex for five years.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 55-60 >> Eileen - Interview 24 >> Women with DCIS need to be put in contact with each other to help dispel the confusion and reassure them that they are not alone.

Eileen was diagnosed with DCIS in 2002 and had a mastectomy. Afterwards, she questioned the value of breast screening and chooses not to have routine mammograms.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Sandra - Interview 1 >> Sandra's son became more disorganised at school and tearful. She worried that he was finding distressing information on cancer websites.

Sandra was diagnosed with DCIS in 2007, aged 50. She had a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction using an implant. After surgery, Paget’s disease was also found.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 55-60 >> Sandy - Interview 20 >> Sandy will now be having annual mammograms. She is worried that the first one might be painful because she’s had surgery, but will definitely be going

Sandy was diagnosed with DCIS and, after a wide local excision, told the DCIS had actually been invasive cancer. She had radiotherapy and was taking tamoxifen.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Beverley - Interview 15 >> Beverley says that, although women often worry when they’re diagnosed with DCIS, it has a good prognosis. Many women live more enriched lives after DC

Beverley was diagnosed with DCIS in 2006, aged 50. She had a mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction, which she was very happy with.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 55-60 >> Ann - Interview 2 >> Ann wondered if she’d had symptoms but had pushed them to the back of her mind. She thought she’d have a lump if there was anything wrong.

Ann was diagnosed with DCIS in 2005, aged 56. She had a mastectomy and LD flap reconstruction at the same time. She is currently taking tamoxifen.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Beverley - Interview 15 >> Beverley felt depressed after surgery, when she had time to think about everything she’d been through. Going back to work helped.

Beverley was diagnosed with DCIS in 2006, aged 50. She had a mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction, which she was very happy with.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 55-60 >> Eileen - Interview 24 >> Eileen felt embarrassed and guilty. Although invasive breast cancer is more serious than DCIS, she still had a mastectomy and found it hard to feel lu

Eileen was diagnosed with DCIS in 2002 and had a mastectomy. Afterwards, she questioned the value of breast screening and chooses not to have routine mammograms.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Carol - Interview 18 >> Carol felt she would have recovered quicker if she hadn’t reacted to the anaesthetic. She felt that the physical recovery was quicker than the emotion

Carol was diagnosed with DCIS in 2008, aged 51. She had a wide local excision and was happy with the care and treatment she received.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: under 50 >> Jo - Interview 11 >> Jo got hardly any rest on the ward. She had another illness to deal with, as well as DCIS, and felt nurses were uncaring and unsympathetic.

Jo was diagnosed with DCIS in 2007, aged 42, over two years after seeing doctors about a bleeding nipple when she was breast-feeding. She had a mastectomy.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Interview with Radiologist / Breast Surgeon >> Breast Surgeon - Interview 37 >> A doctor explains why most women have no need to worry about general anaesthetic.

Dr Horgan explains what DCIS is, the different grades of DCIS, how it is treated, having an operation and more.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 55-60 >> Eileen - Interview 24 >> Eileen was extremely worried about having lymph nodes removed and wondered why it was necessary for a precancerous condition.

Eileen was diagnosed with DCIS in 2002 and had a mastectomy. Afterwards, she questioned the value of breast screening and chooses not to have routine mammograms.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 55-60 >> Ann - Interview 2 >> Ann sometimes wonders if she really needed a mastectomy. She tells herself there’s no point in thinking like that now and is happy with her reconstruc

Ann was diagnosed with DCIS in 2005, aged 56. She had a mastectomy and LD flap reconstruction at the same time. She is currently taking tamoxifen.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 55-60 >> Eileen - Interview 24 >> Eileen had several appointments to discuss her pathology results because, after surgery, doctors were unable to find any DCIS in what they had removed

Eileen was diagnosed with DCIS in 2002 and had a mastectomy. Afterwards, she questioned the value of breast screening and chooses not to have routine mammograms.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 55-60 >> Jane - Interview 5 >> After talking to her plastic surgeon and looking on the internet, Jane opted for a DIEP flap reconstruction. She was worried about the general anaesth

Jane was diagnosed with DCIS in 2007, aged 58. She had a mastectomy and a DIEP flap breast reconstruction at the same time.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Beverley - Interview 15 >> Beverley was petrified the night before surgery and hardly slept. After surgery, she found the first three days uncomfortable and didn’t get much rest

Beverley was diagnosed with DCIS in 2006, aged 50. She had a mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction, which she was very happy with.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Linda - Interview 3 >> At the time of her mastectomy, Linda couldn’t face any more surgery. She said she can’t imagine living without a breast in the long-term and would lik

Linda was diagnosed with DCIS in 2007, aged 53. She had a wide local excision, followed by a mastectomy. She was also prescribed Nolvadex for five years.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Pam - Interview 17 >> Pam was very concerned about the tattoo-like marks that would be drawn on her skin before radiotherapy and about her breast shrinking after it, a poss

Pam was diagnosed with DCIS in 2005, aged 53. Her mother had also had DCIS and, because of this, Pam had already heard and read about it. Pam had a wide local excision and radiotherapy, and is taking tamoxifen for five years.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Patricia - Interview 27 >> Patricia talked to her breast care nurse because she was worried she’d had a mastectomy unnecessarily. She was reassured by the nurse and after readin

Patricia was diagnosed with DCIS in 1999, aged 53. She had a mastectomy and, about a year later, a second mastectomy because she felt unbalanced with only one breast and worried about recurrence.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: under 50 >> Pauline - Interview 28 >> Pauline feels that her family had all the worry but there was nothing they could do.

Pauline was diagnosed with DCIS in 2001, aged 49, after her first routine mammogram. She had two excisions, followed by a mastectomy and reconstruction using an implant. She also had radiotherapy and took tamoxifen for two years.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: under 50 >> Jo - Interview 11 >> Jo's husband seemed to be able to block out his emotional reaction to the diagnosis. She does not think that he would have accepted support from anyon

Jo was diagnosed with DCIS in 2007, aged 42, over two years after seeing doctors about a bleeding nipple when she was breast-feeding. She had a mastectomy.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 55-60 >> Eileen - Interview 24 >> If DCIS was found again, Eileen would be unsure what to do about it, so hasn’t been for screening. She has stopped taking HRT and hopes this will redu

Eileen was diagnosed with DCIS in 2002 and had a mastectomy. Afterwards, she questioned the value of breast screening and chooses not to have routine mammograms.