Have you ever heard of inflammatory breast cancer?

A recent obituary that included a picture in the local newspaper spoke of a beautiful 30 year old woman who had lost her life to inflammatory breast cancer. Among those she left behind were her husband and two young children. What is inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and why is it considered the most aggressive form of breast cancer?

Inflammatory Breast Cancer is characterized by cancer cells that infiltrate the skin and lymph vessels of the breast. It is an advanced form of breast cancer that accelerates quickly and is usually not detected by mammogram or ultrasound. No distinct lump or tumor is found.

IBC accounts for up to 5% of all breast cancers in the United States and it is important for everyone to know the signs and symptoms. According to the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Institute (http://www.ibcresearch.org), one or more of the following symptoms might indicate IBC. Changes can occur quickly! It's time to see your healthcare professional if symptoms persist for more than two weeks.

• Rapid, unusual increase in the size of one breast
• Redness, rash, blotchiness on one breast
• What appears to be a bruise or bug bite that does not go away
• Persistent itching of breast or nipple
• Lump or thickening of breast tissue
• Stabbing pain, soreness, aching or heaviness of the breast

• Feverish (increased warmth) breast
• Swelling of lymph nodes under the arm or above the collar bone
  
• Dimpling or ridging of breast skin (similar to the skin of an orange)
  
• Flattening or retracting of nipple
  
• Nipple discharge or change in pigmented area around the nipple
  
• Feeling of “let down” of milk similar to that when nursing an infant

Inflammatory breast cancer often causes thickening and pitting of the skin, similar to an orange peel

What can be done to help prevent IBC?  According to the Feel Good Factor Lymphology Clinic in the UK (http://www.fgf.uk.com/content/breastwise), "Just because you can't see it happening doesn't mean you can't stop it from starting in the first place." They suggest the following tips for healthy breasts:

• Every Day – Do lymphatic breast massage
• Every Week – Skin brushing of the breasts, nipples, upper chest, and armpits
• When you remove your bra, make sure to move your breasts around to get blood flowing again
• Wear the right support bra for sports activities
• Do not wear a bra to bed
• Squeeze nipples firmly every time you shower
• Use a chemical free deodorant
• Increase your intake of Green Tea, Red Clover, Turmeric, Watermelon, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
• Reduce trans fats and hydrogenated fats
  

There is a safe breast screening available that can detect early changes in breast tissue. Since thermography (digital thermal imaging) is a test of physiology and measures heat changes in the body, a breast thermogram is an ideal early assessment tool for use in prevention of IBC.

Call today (901) 249-8642 to schedule your appointment
To learn more about IBC, visit our Breast Health page