Who Is Most at Risk for Inflammatory Breast Cancer?

Inflammatory breast cancer, or IBC, is one of many types of breast cancer that affects women and, rarely, men. When this cancer occurs, the cancer cells grow and tend to block the smaller lymphatic vessels in the breast. Those lymph ducts are a part of the lymphatic system, and they are responsible for draining waste into the veins. By doing so, the waste is removed from the body.

When lymph vessels are blocked by cancer cells, the skin around them becomes irritated and inflamed. It also becomes red, which is a significant sign that this cancer has formed.

Who Is Most at Risk for Inflammatory Breast Cancer?

Inflammatory breast cancer is a very rare form of breast cancer. Out of every 100 diagnoses of breast cancer, under 5% fall into this category.

No specific causes of inflammatory breast cancer are known. However, there are some risk factors that you can be aware of to help you determine if you have a higher risk of developing this condition. Some of the main risk factors to be aware of include:

• A high body weight: Obesity, particularly when it happens after menopause, can increase the risk of developing IBC.
• Early menstruation: Having a menstruation cycle before the age of 12 increases the risk of breast cancer.
• Your family history: If a woman’s parent or sibling has had this form of cancer, their risk is increased as well.
• Your race: Black women are more likely to develop IBC
• Age: Women become more likely to develop breast cancer as they get older. Most women who get breast cancer do so after the age of 50. For those with IBC, the average age is 51.
• Inherited genetic mutations: There are gene mutations that can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Normal BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes reduce risk, while mutations increase them.

It’s important to talk to your doctor at the first sign of fullness, firmness, or other changes in breast tissue. Since this form of breast cancer is aggressive and may spread quickly, being proactive will help reduce the chances of a Stage IV diagnosis.

Where Does Inflammatory Breast Cancer Usually Start?

IBC cancer doesn’t usually start with a lump, which makes it slightly more difficult to identify than other kinds of breast cancer. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it often forms as a rash with dimples and an unusual skin texture, like an orange peel. This area then becomes red and irritated. However, how this cancer presents can vary and change over time.

The symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer can be tough to detect said Katrina Swartz, a Stage 3 inflammatory breast cancer survivor and spokesperson for Learn Look Locate.

“I was taking a shower on a late, mid-September evening. As I ran the soap across my left pectoral muscle toward my underarm, I hit a tough area near the tail of my breast tissue. The area was so hardened that I dropped the soap when it went over it. It was slightly sore and very stiff feeling,”  Katrina wants to make sure all women are aware of this rare but aggressive type of breast cancer so she is working closely with Learn Look Locate to share her story globally to educate and empower women about inflammatory breast cancer.

Very early inflammatory breast cancer symptoms can vary, but they generally begin in the cells that line the milk ducts of the breast. From there, they will spread beyond the ducts, where the cancer can spread rapidly. Some women complain of soreness under the arm or along the side of the breast. The tissue may feel firm, painful, or sore. It can also become red or feel heavier than usual.

Is Inflammatory Breast Cancer Curable?

Before talking about going into remission or being cured, a major difference with IBC has to be mentioned. Inflammatory breast cancer is never diagnosed as Stage I or II. It is always considered Stage III, at least, and if it has spread to the tissues or organs around the breasts, then it will be diagnosed as Stage IV.

The good news is that it is possible to cure Stage III inflammatory breast cancer. Stage IV inflammatory breast cancer may also go into prolonged remission.

What Is the Survival Rate for IBC Cancer?

Fortunately, many cases of inflammatory breast cancer are curable if you are diagnosed as Stage III. While IBC is aggressive, the reported five-year survival rate is around 70% for Stage III patients. When IBC cancer reaches Stage IV, it can’t be cured, but it may reach a prolonged “no evidence of disease” status. The Stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer survival rate over a five-year period is 19%, according to the American Cancer Society, though new studies have found that rate may be up to 50%.

Learn Look Locate: Supporting Inflammatory Breast Cancer Education

At Learn Look Locate, we aim to educate and inform on the risk of developing inflammatory breast cancer. We believe that through better education, it’s possible to advocate and seek out support early, reducing the risk of more advanced diagnoses.

We provide:

• Educational materials about breast health and wellness.
• Expert guidance from healthcare professionals working with these conditions every day.
• Support networks to connect you with others for peer and professional support.

This article has been reviewed by Dr. Charles Weaver, Medical Advisor for Learn Look Locate and Medical Oncologist.

Learn Look Locate is proud to present expert insights from Dr. Charles Weaver, founder of Cancer Connect and a key contributor to our mission at Learn Look Locate. Dr. Weaver’s expertise is an integral part of our joint newsletter with Cancer Connect, which has been empowering breast cancer patients for over a decade. The newsletter is distributed monthly to over 30,000 women who have opted in and will support them from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship. You can sign up for the newsletter by scrolling to the bottom of the page and submitting your email.

Dr. Weaver’s involvement in Cancer First Calls and our Community Page reflects our commitment to providing comprehensive support and information to those affected by breast cancer. He continues to remain dedicated to the mission of educating and informing patients of their options. Read more about Dr. Weaver’s breast cancer insights here.

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you can schedule your Cancer First Call here.