• Clip
• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Maisie - Interview 19 >> Maisie had both her breasts removed and reconstructed at the same time. She was happy with this decision because she was concerned to have all the can

Maisie was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and DCIS. She had a double mastectomy, immediate reconstruction and chemotherapy. She will also be having radiotherapy and hormone therapy.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Maisie - Interview 19 >> Maisie says that, although she had a double mastectomy and other treatment for invasive breast cancer and DCIS, she still feels positive. She advises

Maisie was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and DCIS. She had a double mastectomy, immediate reconstruction and chemotherapy. She will also be having radiotherapy and hormone therapy.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Maisie - Interview 19 >> Maisie looked after herself before and after surgery by eating healthily. She did lots of exercise and went for a walk even if it was cold.

Maisie was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and DCIS. She had a double mastectomy, immediate reconstruction and chemotherapy. She will also be having radiotherapy and hormone therapy.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Maisie - Interview 19 >> Maisie had a double mastectomy and both breasts reconstructed at the same time. She found it difficult to walk on her own at first but was determined

Maisie was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and DCIS. She had a double mastectomy, immediate reconstruction and chemotherapy. She will also be having radiotherapy and hormone therapy.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Maisie - Interview 19 >> Maisie had a double mastectomy and both breasts reconstructed at the same time. She found it difficult to walk on her own at first but was determined

Maisie was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and DCIS. She had a double mastectomy, immediate reconstruction and chemotherapy. She will also be having radiotherapy and hormone therapy.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Patricia - Interview 27 >> Patricia decided to have her remaining breast removed because she wanted to reduce her chances of getting breast cancer again. She would also feel mor

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: 50-54 >> Maisie - Interview 19 >> Maisie had both her breasts removed and reconstructed at the same time. She was happy with this decision because she was concerned to have all the can

Maisie was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and DCIS. She had a double mastectomy, immediate reconstruction and chemotherapy. She will also be having radiotherapy and hormone therapy.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Maisie - Interview 19 >> Maisie says that, although she had a double mastectomy and other treatment for invasive breast cancer and DCIS, she still feels positive. She advises

Maisie was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and DCIS. She had a double mastectomy, immediate reconstruction and chemotherapy. She will also be having radiotherapy and hormone therapy.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Maisie - Interview 19 >> Maisie looked after herself before and after surgery by eating healthily. She did lots of exercise and went for a walk even if it was cold.

Maisie was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and DCIS. She had a double mastectomy, immediate reconstruction and chemotherapy. She will also be having radiotherapy and hormone therapy.

• 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: 50-54 >> Hilary - Interview 6 >> Hilary felt lop-sided with only one breast. She was also getting back ache. After several discussions with the plastic surgeon, she opted for a DIEP f

Hilary was diagnosed with DCIS in 2001, aged 50. She had a wide local excision, followed by a mastectomy. She also had a delayed DIEP flap reconstruction, followed by breast reduction surgery and nipple reconstruction.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Pam - Interview 17 >> Pam had only come across DCIS because her mother was diagnosed with it several years earlier.

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 >> Di - Interview 32 >> Di had been fit and healthy and was shocked to hear she would need a mastectomy for a precancerous condition. She was being given lots of information

Di was diagnosed with DCIS in 2003 after her first routine mammogram. She had a mastectomy and LD flap reconstruction six months after diagnosis.

• 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: 50-54 >> Sandra - Interview 1 >> Sandra feels that it is sometimes harder to be diagnosed with DCIS than invasive breast cancer, especially for women who need a mastectomy.

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: 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) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Patricia - Interview 7 >> Patricia didn’t like being on the ward after surgery. She didn’t have much pain but her arm felt sore and numb.

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: 50-54 >> Patricia - Interview 7 >> Patricia described what happened when she had a sentinel node biopsy. Although she found it slightly painful, she was glad only a few lymph nodes were

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: 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: 50-54 >> Gillian - Interview 4 >> Gilllian came home with a drain, which was later removed. A district nurse visited her for a week to check her wound. She was surprised to be in no pa

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: 65-70 >> Hilary - Interview 10 >> Hilary felt a bit tired when she first came home. Her arm was stiff, though she kept exercising it. It took her about three weeks to start feeling bet

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: 50-54 >> Hilary - Interview 6 >> Hilary had cording after her mastectomy and some minor surgery to treat it. She advises seeing a doctor about any concerns with the arm sooner rather

Hilary was diagnosed with DCIS in 2001, aged 50. She had a wide local excision, followed by a mastectomy. She also had a delayed DIEP flap reconstruction, followed by breast reduction surgery and nipple reconstruction.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Rachel - Interview 29 >> Rachel was in hospital for four nights and, within three weeks, could do most of the housework again. She will continue with her exercises for a year

Rachel was diagnosed with DCIS after her first mammogram. She felt she was rushed into having a mastectomy, which she had one day after her diagnosis.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Interview with Radiologist / Breast Surgeon >> Breast Surgeon - Interview 37 >> A doctor talks about DCIS and recurrence.

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: 50-54 >> Patricia - Interview 27 >> Patricia was in hospital for ten days after her mastectomy because she had a build up of fluid under her arm. Later, she had more fluid drained at the

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: 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 >> Hilary - Interview 6 >> Hilary felt lop-sided with only one large breast, which caused her some back ache. She had a DIEP flap reconstruction two years after her mastectomy.

Hilary was diagnosed with DCIS in 2001, aged 50. She had a wide local excision, followed by a mastectomy. She also had a delayed DIEP flap reconstruction, followed by breast reduction surgery and nipple reconstruction.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 55-60 >> Janet - Interview 30 >> Janet says she had small breasts so is happy using a cumfie. She is waiting to get her prosthesis, which might be heavier than her cumfie but a better

Janet was diagnosed with DCIS in 1997 after a routine mammogram and had a recurrence in 2003. She had a wide local excision and radiotherapy in 1997 and a mastectomy in 2003. She was also prescribed tamoxifen then.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: under 50 >> Felicity - Interview 23 >> Felicity is happy using a prosthesis, though does sometimes feel lop-sided. She said she feels lucky because ‘I didn’t lose an arm, I just lost a brea

Felicity was diagnosed with DCIS, aged 41, after being referred to a breast clinic because of breast pain. She had two excision operations, a mastectomy and radiotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Gillian - Interview 4 >> Gillian now has to think a bit more about buying bras and what she wears. She has some good prostheses and describes how she looks after them.

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: 50-54 >> Linda - Interview 3 >> At first, Linda found wearing a prosthesis hard to accept. She is used to wearing one now but would like to have breast reconstruction.

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 >> Patricia - Interview 27 >> Patricia found her prosthesis heavy and uncomfortable and prefers wearing a swim prosthesis.

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: 50-54 >> Jacky - Interview 25 >> Jacky found it hard to accept she had only one breast. She couldn’t wear what she wanted and the prosthesis sometimes fell out. Later she had breast r

Jacky was diagnosed with DCIS in her right breast in 1994, aged 52, and had two wide local excisions. Later, a second cancer was found in her left breast and Jacky had a mastectomy.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Patricia - Interview 7 >> Patricia agreed with the doctor’s advice but, later, felt upset about having a mastectomy and really didn’t want one.

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: 50-54 >> Sandra - Interview 1 >> Sandra was glad she could have an immediate reconstruction and felt lucky the DCIS had been picked up early.

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 >> Linda - Interview 3 >> Linda felt shocked and numb at the thought of having a mastectomy. She felt she had no choice and no control over the decision.

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 >> Eileen was shocked to hear she’d need a mastectomy for DCIS and to learn that DCIS is a complex condition that doctors don’t yet fully understand.

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 >> Di - Interview 32 >> Di couldn’t believe she needed a mastectomy for a precancerous condition that might never develop. Doctors were unable to answer the questions she had

Di was diagnosed with DCIS in 2003 after her first routine mammogram. She had a mastectomy and LD flap reconstruction six months after diagnosis.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: under 50 >> Felicity - Interview 23 >> Felicity had two excisions but, because there were no clear margins, she had a mastectomy shortly afterwards. Talking to another woman with DCIS helpe

Felicity was diagnosed with DCIS, aged 41, after being referred to a breast clinic because of breast pain. She had two excision operations, a mastectomy and radiotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Gillian - Interview 4 >> Gillian would have liked more information about the surgical options from a health professional. After talking to the doctor about how another excisio

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: 50-54 >> Liz - Interview 16 >> Liz felt that a mastectomy would be the best option for her because she had widespread high-grade DCIS. She didn’t want several excisions and was happ

Liz had a wide local excision, and was waiting to have a mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction because more DCIS was found after her first operation.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 55-60 >> Janet - Interview 30 >> Janet was shocked when she had a recurrence of DCIS. She had a mastectomy and was pleased to hear there was still no invasive breast cancer.

Janet was diagnosed with DCIS in 1997 after a routine mammogram and had a recurrence in 2003. She had a wide local excision and radiotherapy in 1997 and a mastectomy in 2003. She was also prescribed tamoxifen then.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Rachel - Interview 29 >> There was very little time between diagnosis and surgery. Rachel felt it was like a whirlwind. She would have liked more time to adjust to the shock o

Rachel was diagnosed with DCIS after her first mammogram. She felt she was rushed into having a mastectomy, which she had one day after her diagnosis.

• 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: 50-54 >> Sandra - Interview 1 >> Sandra was in no pain at all after coming round. Because she was treated in the hospital in which she worked, she had lots of visitors and didn’t alwa

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 >> Jane - Interview 5 >> The nurses were helpful and supportive. Jane improved every day and was discharged a day earlier than she’d expected.

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: under 50 >> Jo - Interview 11 >> Jo didn’t want immediate reconstruction in case she’d need chemotherapy or radiotherapy after her mastectomy. She may have reconstructive surgery in t

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: under 50 >> Felicity - Interview 23 >> Not having a reconstruction was the right decision for Felicity because, after her mastectomy, she needed radiotherapy. She didn’t want any more surge

Felicity was diagnosed with DCIS, aged 41, after being referred to a breast clinic because of breast pain. She had two excision operations, a mastectomy and radiotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 55-60 >> Janet - Interview 30 >> Janet didn’t like the thought of reconstructive surgery. She said that, because she has a small breast, she is happy wearing a cumfie or prosthesis.

Janet was diagnosed with DCIS in 1997 after a routine mammogram and had a recurrence in 2003. She had a wide local excision and radiotherapy in 1997 and a mastectomy in 2003. She was also prescribed tamoxifen then.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Interview with Radiologist / Breast Surgeon >> Breast Surgeon - Interview 37 >> A doctor explains why women diagnosed with DCIS are given different treatments.

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: 50-54 >> Hilary - Interview 6 >> Hilary kept a record all the dates and procedures she had as well as photographs of her surgery. They are a reminder of everything she has been and co

Hilary was diagnosed with DCIS in 2001, aged 50. She had a wide local excision, followed by a mastectomy. She also had a delayed DIEP flap reconstruction, followed by breast reduction surgery and nipple reconstruction.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Interview with Radiologist / Breast Surgeon >> Breast Surgeon - Interview 37 >> A doctor explains why DCIS is treated by either wide local excision or mastectomy.

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: 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.

• Topic
• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Feelings about having a mastectomy >> Feelings about having a mastectomy

 

Feelings about having a mastectomy

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Mastectomy: the operation >> Mastectomy: the operation

Mastectomy: the operation

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Mastectomy: physical and emotional recovery >> Mastectomy: physical and emotional recovery

Mastectomy: physical and emotional recovery

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Mastectomy: pathology results >> Mastectomy: pathology results

Mastectomy: pathology results

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 55-60 >> Jane - Interview 5 >> Jane felt that, had she been younger, having a mastectomy would have been harder. She said she could accept having a mastectomy because she was happil

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: under 50 >> Jo - Interview 11 >> Although Jo grieved for her breast, her main concern was being there for her children.

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: under 50 >> Felicity - Interview 23 >> For Felicity, the time before the mastectomy was harder than having the operation. Later, she was glad she had a mastectomy because she’d had widespre

Felicity was diagnosed with DCIS, aged 41, after being referred to a breast clinic because of breast pain. She had two excision operations, a mastectomy and radiotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Carol - Interview 18 >> Carol’s doctor reassured her that a mastectomy was unnecessary for the small area of DCIS she had.

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 >> Gillian - Interview 4 >> Gillian felt losing her breast was like a bereavement. She felt anger, sadness and depression. Eventually, she had some counselling.

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: 50-54 >> Rachel - Interview 29 >> After having a mastectomy, Rachel wondered whether it had really been necessary. She would have liked more time before surgery to think about it.

Rachel was diagnosed with DCIS after her first mammogram. She felt she was rushed into having a mastectomy, which she had one day after her diagnosis.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Interview with Radiologist / Breast Surgeon >> Breast Surgeon - Interview 37 >> A doctor explains why a mastectomy is recommended for some women with DCIS.

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: under 50 >> Jacqui - Interview 31 >> Jacqui was very happy with the care she got from her surgeon, but felt the anaesthetist could have been more sensitive.

Jacqui was diagnosed with DCIS in 1995 after having a mammogram that was part of a clinical trial. She had a mastectomy and, two weeks later, a reconstruction using an implant.

• Cancer >> Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) >> Age at diagnosis: 50-54 >> Patricia - Interview 7 >> Patricia was glad to have breast reconstruction because she disliked wearing a prosthesis and seeing herself in the mirror with only one breast.

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: 50-54 >> Agnes - Interview 8 >> After talking to the nurse and doing her own research, Agnes chose a wide local excision. She felt a mastectomy was too drastic for a non-invasive con

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: 55-60 >> Ann - Interview 2 >> Ann fainted when doctors told her she’d need a mastectomy. She’d expected nothing to be wrong and was extremely shocked.

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 >> Jane - Interview 5 >> Jane accepted that a mastectomy would be the best treatment for her because her DCIS was so widespread. Her main concern was having it all removed.

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 >> Patricia - Interview 27 >> Patricia knew straight away that she would prefer a mastectomy and was pleased with how the operation went.

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.