A comparison of risk perception and psychological morbidity in women with ductal carcinoma in situ and early invasive breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To assess how women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) perceive their risks of recurrence, dying from breast cancer, and psychological distress compared to women with early stage invasive breast cancer (EIBC).


METHODS
Eligible patients included those with DCIS or EIBC (T1 or T2, N0) referred to one cancer center between November 1998 and June 1999. Participants completed a self-administered survey regarding their views of their risks of developing recurrent cancer, of dying of breast cancer and the presence of psychological symptoms of distress. Responses were scored and compared between the two groups.


RESULTS
In total, 495 patients were screened, 240 found ineligible, 228 patients who agreed to participate. No significant difference between the two groups was observed in perceptions of risk related to the likelihood of developing local recurrence (DCIS: 53%, EIBC 45%, P = 0.14), distant recurrence (DCIS: 36%; EIBC: 39%, P = 0.35) or dying of breast cancer (DCIS: 27%, EIBC 27%, P = 0.5). Both groups expressed similar levels of psychological distress (anxiety, DCIS: 56%, EIBC 54%, P = 0.38; depression, DCIS: 41%, EIBC, 48%, P = 0.17).


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the excellent prognosis, women with DCIS express serious concerns and report similar psychological morbidity as women with invasive cancer.
Rakovitch
Eileen
E
Department of Radiation Oncology, Toronto-Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. eileen.rakovitch@tsrcc.on.ca
Franssen
Edmee
E
Kim
John
J
Ackerman
Ida
I
Pignol
Jean-Philippe
JP
Paszat
Lawrence
L
Pritchard
Kathleen I
KI
Ho
Cindy
C
Redelmeier
Donald A
DA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001290:Attitude; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D002285:Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires