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Mercy breast surgeon Dr. Gauri Bedi

Mercy Breast Surgeon Dr. Gauri Bedi Discusses Stage Zero Breast Cancer On WBAL-TV11's "Woman's Doctor"

Doctors are able to find breast cancer earlier than before. In fact, the earliest stage to find it is referred to by many as "stage zero breast cancer."

However, just because it's referred to as stage zero doesn't mean it doesn't need treatment. Stage zero breast cancer means the cancer was still within the lining of the milk duct.

When Lymerka Rivera, 34, found a lump in her breast in May, two doctors told her it was probably nothing to worry about, but a biopsy showed it was something to worry about.

According to Dr. Gauri Bedi, associate director of the Hoffberger Breast Center at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, DCIS (Ductal carcinoma in situ) is a noninvasive cancer at its beginning stages that is usually found on a mammogram.

"Somewhere between 30 to 50 percent (of people with DCIS will) in subsequent years develop an invasive tumor," Dr. Bedi said.

Dr. Bedi added that the rest will not develop cancer, but because doctors cannot yet determine who will and who will not develop cancer, everyone should be treated.

"DCIS, or noninvasive breast cancer, or stage zero breast cancer is completely treatable and it can be treated with local treatments and people don't need things like chemo," Dr. Bedi said.

Rivera opted for a mastectomy instead of a lumpectomy. Almost a year out, she looked great and said she felt great.

"I feel good, blessed. I feel lucky," Rivera said. "I see everything different now. I'm happy." To view Dr. Gauri Bedi's extended interview on this topic with WBAL-TV11's Donna Hamilton, click this link: http://www.wbaltv.com/womansdoctor/26942449/detail.html