lifesproutle Understanding Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Risks and Warning Signs
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to raising awareness about a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer known as Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While IBC only accounts for a small percentage of breast cancer cases (one to five percent), it is crucial to understand the risks and warning signs associated with this fast-growing and difficult-to-detect disease. This October, the American Cancer Society (ACS) is focusing on IBC to help women stay informed about this invasive form of cancer.
Unlike other types of breast cancer, IBC doesn’t typically present with a breast lump, which is what many women expect. Instead, it manifests through inflammatory symptoms such as swelling and redness, caused by cancer cells blocking lymph vessels in the skin,” explained Dr. William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer at the American Cancer Society. “These symptoms can develop rapidly within just three to six months. If you experience any of these signs, it is essential to consult with your healthcare team right away.”
One of the concerning aspects of IBC is that it may not be visible on a mammogram, making early detection challenging. Additionally, IBC tends to grow and spread more quickly than other types of breast cancer. Due to these factors, all cases of IBC are considered advanced to at least Stage III when initially diagnosed. In approximately one-third of cases, the cancer has already spread to distant parts of the body at the time of diagnosis.
Related: The Secret World of Breast Cancer: 17 Surprising Things You Should Know
Women at risk for Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) include:
- Women under 40 years old
- Black women
- Women who are overweight or obese
Warning signs for Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) include:
- Swelling (edema) of the skin of the breast
- Redness involving more than one-third of the breast
- Pitting or thickening of the skin of the breast so that it may look and feel like an orange peel
- A retracted or inverted nipple
- One breast looks larger than the other
- One breast feels warmer and heavier than the other breast
- A breast that may be tender, painful, or itchy
- Swelling of the lymph nodes under the arms or near the collarbone
Some of these symptoms can also be signs of an infection, so initially, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the patient. If the symptoms do not improve within 7 to 10 days of antibiotic treatment, further tests are necessary to check for cancer or other underlying issues. It is important to consider the possibility of IBC if a woman with symptoms is not pregnant, breastfeeding, or postmenopausal.
The diagnosis of IBC typically involves imaging tests like a mammogram, breast ultrasound, or breast MRI. Additionally, a biopsy is always performed, where a small piece of breast tissue is removed and examined in a laboratory.
If IBC has not spread beyond the breast, the standard treatment usually involves chemotherapy as the first step, followed by surgery to remove the cancer. Radiation therapy and other targeted drug therapies may be administered after surgery. In cases where IBC has spread to other parts of the body, a combination of chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted drug therapy is used.
“There is encouraging news regarding new drugs and treatment combinations for IBC,” Dr. Dahut added. “Researchers are currently testing specific drug combinations, as well as combinations of drugs and radiation therapy, to prevent the cancer from recurring. For advanced cases, studies are being conducted on treatments that include new targeted therapies. Additionally, certain immunotherapy drugs have already been approved for the treatment of triple-negative IBC.
Learn more about IBC at cancer.org/inflammatorybreastcancer.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a remarkable organization dedicated to fighting cancer. Our ultimate goal is to put an end to cancer entirely, making it a thing of the past for everyone. For over a century, we have tirelessly worked towards improving the lives of individuals and families affected by cancer. As the sole organization fighting cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support, we are committed to providing opportunities for everyone to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Source: American Cancer Society
