Did you know that around 20% of women with DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) experience a recurrence after initial treatment? While it might sound concerning, understanding your risk can help you take control of your health. That’s where the DCIS Recurrence Risk Calculator comes in. This simple tool helps you evaluate factors that may influence your risk and empowers you to make informed decisions with your healthcare provider.

The DCIS Recurrence Risk Calculator is like having a virtual assistant for your health. By entering details like age, menopausal status, tumor size, treatment options, and lifestyle factors, the calculator estimates your risk of recurrence in percentage terms. While it doesn’t replace professional advice, it’s a handy tool to guide discussions with your doctor.

How to Use the DCIS Recurrence Risk Calculator

Using the calculator is super easy. Follow these steps to get your personalized risk percentage:

Step 1: Fill in Your Demographics

Start with some basic information:

• Age: Select your age group from the dropdown menu.
• Menopausal Status: Choose between pre-menopausal or post-menopausal by clicking the radio button that applies to you.

Step 2: Enter Your Clinical History

This section digs into medical details:

• DCIS Grade: Choose from low, intermediate, or high grade.
• Tumor Size: Enter the size of your tumor in millimeters. Not sure? Check your medical reports or ask your doctor.
• Surgical Treatment: Select the type of surgery you had, if any like lumpectomy, mastectomy, or none.
• Radiation Therapy: Indicate whether you received radiation therapy (Yes or No).
• Hormonal Therapy: Select whether hormonal therapy was part of your treatment plan.
• Margins Status: Choose between clear, close, or positive surgical margins based on your pathology report.

Step 3: Add Lifestyle Factors

Your habits and daily life matter too:

• Smoking Status: Mark whether you currently smoke or not.
• Weight and Height: Enter your weight (in kilograms) and height (in centimeters). These numbers calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI).
• Physical Activity: Select your activity level—sedentary, lightly active, or active.

Step 4: Consider Family History

Do you have a family history of breast cancer? If yes, mark it here. If no, you’re all set to move on.

Step 5: Click “Calculate My Recurrence Risk”

Hit the big button at the bottom, and voilà! Your risk percentage will appear along with personalized recommendations.

Understanding Your Results

Once you’ve entered all your details and clicked calculate, you’ll see your risk assessment. Here’s how to interpret the results:

Low Risk (15% or Lower)

If your result shows low risk, that’s great news! This means your chance of recurrence is relatively small. Keep up with regular checkups, follow a healthy lifestyle, and stay proactive about screenings.

Moderate Risk (16% to 30%)

A moderate risk result means there’s some cause for caution. Don’t panic—this is the time to discuss with your doctor how you can further lower your risk. Small changes, like increasing physical activity or managing weight, can make a big difference.

High Risk (31% or Higher)

A high risk result may feel overwhelming, but remember, knowledge is power. This result suggests that closer monitoring and preventive measures might be needed. Talk with your healthcare team about the best plan for your care.

Tips for Getting Accurate Results

1. Double-check your inputs: Make sure all the information you enter is accurate, especially details like tumor size and grade.
2. Consult your medical records: If you’re unsure about your DCIS grade or treatment history, refer to your pathology report or talk to your doctor.
3. Think of this as a conversation starter: Use your results to guide discussions with your healthcare provider about your treatment plan and lifestyle.

Disclaimer

The DCIS Recurrence Risk Calculator is a helpful tool, but it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for personalized guidance and treatment options.