Radiation Therapy With or Without Optional Tamoxifen in Treating Women With Ductal Carcinoma in Situ

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast detected by mammogram at the time of diagnosis

• Unicentric

• Lesions ≤ 2.5 cm

• Low nuclei grade (NG1) or intermediate nuclei grade (NG2) with necrosis in < one third of the involved ducts

• Inked margins ≥ 3 mm

• Clinically node negative

• Non-palpable

• No suspicious areas on post-operative mammogram taken within 12 weeks after final surgery

• No bloody nipple discharge

• No more than 12 weeks since prior final surgery (arm II only)

• Hormone receptor status:

• Not specified

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

• 26 and over

Sex:

• Female

Menopausal status:

• Not specified

Performance status:

• Not specified

Life expectancy:

• Not specified

Hematopoietic:

• Not specified

Hepatic:

• Not specified

Renal:

• Not specified

Other:

• Not pregnant or nursing

• No active connective tissue disorders (e.g., lupus or scleroderma)

• No prior malignancy within the past 5 years except adequately treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

• Not specified

Chemotherapy:

• No prior chemotherapy

Endocrine therapy:

• No other concurrent hormonal therapy (e.g., raloxifene, hormone replacement therapy, or birth control pills)

Radiotherapy:

• No prior radiotherapy

Surgery:

• See Disease Characteristics