Breast Carcinoma in Situ (BCIS)

The estimated number of new diagnoses of breast carcinoma in situ (BCIS) in the United States in 2002 is 54,300, which accounts for 21.1% of all new breast cancers. BCIS cases consist of breast cancers that are either confined to the ducts (DCIS) or lobules (LCIS). Some BCIS, if not treated, will develop into invasive breast cancer.

Environmental factors are an important area of research on invasive breast cancer, but environmental risks for BCIS have not been studied. Silent Spring Institute is adding women diagnosed with BCIS to its ongoing study of invasive breast cancer on Cape Cod. Institute researchers hope to identify environmental factors that may contribute to BCIS and gain a better understanding of the relationship between BCIS and invasive breast cancer.

The study will look at exposures to pesticides, use of personal care and household products, and tap water contaminated by household wastes. This research is important because if we know about environmental risks we may be to prevent the BCIS and the invasive tumor that it may become.

Environmental Factors for Breast Carcinoma in Situ is funded, in part, by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Breast Cancer Research Program and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation