DCIS Understood

DCIS Understood was founded in 2024 by Julia Stalder, who, in the wake of her own ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosis, was moved to create a national organization to spread awareness of DCIS – commonly known as “stage 0” breast cancer – and help patients navigate their treatment options. We are currently an all-volunteer, Board-led 501(c)(3) organization, and are growing quickly to keep pace with the urgent need for more education, advocacy and research on DCIS.

DCIS Understood takes the position that DCIS is a condition that is distinct from invasive breast cancer, with many open questions and emerging areas of research that should be made available in a balanced, clear and digestible format for the tens of thousands of women who are diagnosed each year. Using education and advocacy, we strive to advance scientific research that will clarify the many outstanding questions around DCIS, help push for individualized, patient-centered DCIS treatment, and equip patients with the knowledge to understand the condition, their individual risk profile, and help clarify their decision-making around treatment. We believe that if women are empowered to learn about DCIS and navigate the decision-making process from a place of understanding, rather than fear, then whatever treatment decision they make will be the right one.