What You Don't Know About IBC May Kill You or Someone You Know!

Hi Friends,

This video came across my desk, and I did not delay in posting it on my blog. It's about Inflammatory Breast Cancer or IBC. What's that? It's breast cancer without lumps! It can look like insect bites on the swollen breast, and quite deadly! You must see it!

To download it, you must copy and paste the link to your browser, then press enter. http://sz0053.ev.mail.comcast.net/service/home/~/komo2.wmv?auth=co&loc=en_US&id=8900&part=2&disp=a
You should get a message that gives you some options as to what to do with this komo2.wmv file now that you have chosen to open it. You may click the 'Open with' button and click browse to choose which media player you wish to use. I chose windows media player, but I also have Quicktime Player to use. You may click on the 'Save File' button and save it to your hard drive to view later.

For those of you who will not be able to view this news report, don't worry, I have something for you. In the video Nancy Key didn't know; Marilyn Willingham didn't know; Kristine Turck (age 37) didn't know; Andi (age 16) didn't know; many of the workers at cancer hotline phone centers didn't know!
They didn't know that there is more than one type of breast cancer!
They didn't know that this form of breast cancer forms without a lump!
They didn't know that mammograms and ultrasonograms cannot detect this kind of breast cancer!
They didn't know that IBC is the most aggressive form of breast cancer!

Breast cancer specialist Dr. Julie Gralow says by the time IBC reveals itself in the breast, it's already traveled through the body. That's what makes it so deadly and labeled 'The Silent Killer.'

"It is not rare, because yes only 6 percent of all breast cancer are IBC, but 25% of the deaths of breast cancer are IBC, the silent killer."

An IBC breast looks like, "a red border, the bulk of the breast is very red, it's swollen and it has what we call an orange peel look. The breast would feel very warm to the touch," says Gralow.

I've done more research to learn more about this disease. See the following results of my search about IBC.

Symptoms

One or more of the following are Typical Symptoms of IBC:

• Swelling, usually sudden, sometimes a cup size in a few days
• Itching
• Pink, red, or dark colored area (called erythema) sometimes with texture similar to the skin of an orange (called peau d’orange)
• Ridges and thickened areas of the skin
• Nipple retraction
• Nipple discharge, may or may not be bloody
• Breast is warm to the touch
• Breast pain (from a constant ache to stabbing pains)
• Change in color and texture of the areola

If you suddenly develop a lump or mass, have it checked immediately. The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation have one reported case where a 9×8x5cm lump developed in only three weeks.

Use caution when relying on the interpretations and reports of the mammogram or ultrasound! Inflammatory breast cancer usually grows in nests or sheets, rather than as a confined solid tumor. IBC may not be detected using either mammography or ultrasonography. Increased breast density compared to prior mammograms should be considered suspicious. Remember: You don’t have to have a lump to have breast cancer.

Photographic Examples

If you want additional photos and are a mature visitor to this web site, you can view photographic examples of inflammatory breast cancer and related issues.

These photographs are frank.

The first set of photographs show typical visual clinical symptoms that appear at time of diagnosis, before treatment. Remember there are often non-visual symptoms that include itching, pain, and skin thickening. Do not let embarrassment prevent you from seeking help! That's what happened to Andi (died at age 16) in the video. She was too embarrassed to show her mother!

Treatment

Breast Cancer Treatment at CTCA Cancer Treatment Centers of America is a good place to go for help. You could also call the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Hotline - Toll Free - 1-866-447-3467.

Because IBC attacks the breast and the body, patients have to have chemotherapy first, then surgery. Often by the time IBC is diagnosed, it's either stage 3 or stage 4. Best advice is to know your body and know the symptom of IBC. Share this with someone you love!

Wish you well,

Charles