I had an mx in June after unsuccessful WLE. My bcn says that dcis is not tested for hormone receptors as it is pre-invasive. However I have read of people on tamoxifen after a dcis diagnosis which confuses me.
I am 44 so still having periods and I really am concerned that hormones were responsible for my diagnosis.
I suppose my questions are, can hormones be responsible for the abnormal cancer cells developing, and can it be tested for hormone receptors?
Hi
It is surprising that NHS Trusts seem to have different policies. My trust certainly did test for hormone receptors and I did have some discussion with the surgeon about tamoxifen but in the end it was thankfully not pursued.
I don’t know how often tamoxifen is prescribed for DCIS, maybe you could use the ‘ask a nurse’ section of the forum.
HI, yes there is definitely variation in approaches between areas - my DCIS was tested at the first biopsy (found to be hormone receptive) and, from the initial histology after mx (no invasion found but large area of high grade) it was recommended I try tamoxifen. I said I would think about it and, by my following appointment a month or so later, the MDT apparently had said tamoxifen would not be helpful and the doctor I saw actually said it wasn’t licensed for use with DCIS in the UK. I was happy I didn’t have to take it but it was very confusing and did leave me wondering why there were such different opinions from one appointment to the next, even within the same team x
I was diagnosed with DCIS and I asked if I could take tamoxifen because I wanted protection for my other breast. I have just completed 2 years of tamoxifen and 3 years of letrozole. Taking this pill was peace of mind for me.
Suziex xx
I was diagnosed with DCIS in August. As I had such a large lump 10cm by 7cm I had to have a mx. After Sentinal lymph nodes came back clear and lump showed no signs of invasive cancer I was put on Tamoxifen last week as it was e receptor positive. Surgeon advised this as it can cut the risk of it occurring in my other breast. Hope this helps…
I have also asked my consultant about this. He replied
Dcis alone does not need hormone therapy. U.K. Standard is no hormone therapy unless invasive disease. The side effects outweighs the benefits overall.
Yes that’s the same answers I get, although when I asked my bcn if hormones could have caused the dcis she said that it was a possibility…
I have had wle and follow up cavity shave to fully achieve clear margins. I was told not tested as it was all Dcis so no follow up tablets. Waiting to start 15 lots of radium to reduce risk of recurrence x
Good luck for the radiotherapy Ali. I had to have a mastectomy as I didn’t have clear margins so no radio or chemo for me xxxx
Thanks 4princesses hope you are recovering well x
I am thanks, I had the mastectomy in June but had to have an implant exchange 5 weeks later because of infection. Since then, all thankfully has been well xxxx