Knowledge, satisfaction, and perceived cancer risk among women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ

The prevalence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has increased through more widespread use of screening mammography. Little is known about what women with DCIS understand about their disease and future health. Although there is a wealth of information about the psychological characteristics of women with invasive breast cancer, there is virtually no information about women who have received treatment for DCIS. Seventy-six women diagnosed with DCIS who were identified through the Duke University Tumor Registry completed a mailed self-administered questionnaire including a broad range of items to measure knowledge, satisfaction with care, risk perceptions, and psychological distress. Women with DCIS have knowledge deficits about DCIS and breast cancer, as well as concerns about recurrence and misperceptions about the likelihood for DCIS metastasis. Women were generally satisfied with their care. They were less satisfied with information related to prognosis and with perceived support from their doctors. The results of this study suggest several areas of concern for women diagnosed with DCIS. Data about risk perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes in women diagnosed with DCIS provide important preliminary ideas for future studies. In view of the frequency of the DCIS diagnosis, future investigation should be conducted to build on these findings.