Women with a pre-stage of breast cancer (DCIS) may be overtreated. To prevent this, we aim to conduct research and develop a personalized treatment for it. We are looking for people who are willing to contribute to improving this treatment.
What are we working on?
DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) is a development in the breast that can be a precursor to breast cancer. During a breast exam (such as a mammogram), abnormal cells are found. In some cases, this can develop into breast cancer, but in many cases, it does not.
The Dutch healthcare system often opts for a preventive operation, where the entire breast is removed. However, sometimes this is not necessary at all. There is limited research on the risks of DCIS, and we want to change that. We aim to investigate which women with DCIS are at high or low risk of developing breast cancer in order to reduce unnecessary surgeries. Less intervention is less burdensome for women. More information about the project can be found here: Direct-DCIS.
What do we ask of you?
Together with the researchers in the project, you will contribute as an expert-by-experience to developing a new, more personalized treatment for women with DCIS. Your tasks will be diverse and can be discussed and arranged based on your availability.
We have space for six active participants who will join as co-researchers in the project. This group will work with the researchers to design, co-create, and explore, for example, the application of artificial intelligence in monitoring DCIS. This group will receive training, and we expect participants to commit for at least a year. Your involvement in the first group will require an average of 8 hours per month, and compensation is available for your time (including travel costs).
The second group will focus on providing feedback, reading, and listening. For example, you might help simplify texts, advise the researchers, or help spread news updates. We are looking for about 25 expert participants for this group. You will be reimbursed for any expenses incurred.
Who can participate and when?
Our research has started with a group of participants, so registration is no longer possible. Are you still interested in this project and would you like to know more? Please reach out to our coordinator, Maya.
Meet the COordinator
Coordinator 'Research on DCIS'
dr. M.M. van den Berg (Maya)
Program Manager
Hello! I'm Maya, and I'm a programme manager at DesignLab. I'm responsible for developing new programmes and projects that connect science and society in the fields of citizen science and transdisciplinary collaboration. DesignLab's projects focus on health innovation, climate resilience, and the digital society. In the Direct-DCIS Project, DesignLab coordinates the collaboration between citizens and co-researchers.
