Discrepancies and challenge of ductal carcinoma in situ for health professionals.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a noninvasive breast cancer. While debate persists about its most appropriate treatment, women diagnosed with DCIS are faced with a paradox; although they are often reassured that the condition has been caught early and is not life-threatening, they undergo similar treatments (including mastectomy) to invasive breast cancer patients [1]. Ongoing research by the authors exploring the psychosocial impact of DCIS has found that women hold diverse beliefs about the condition [2]. This work, along with previous research, suggests that DCIS patients can be confused about the condition and that the terminology used by health professionals and the treatment recommendations given to patients may enhance this misunderstanding [3]. Health professionals' attitudes about DCIS may also vary, which in turn could impact on patient care, satisfaction and risk perceptions of the condition. Previous research suggests that discrepancies between patient and health professional perceptions of invasive breast cancer can disrupt communication and compromise care [4]. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore health professionals' perceptions of DCIS, including the terminology they use with patients and the challenges the condition presents in their work.