Babies
The Silent Killer: Inflammatory Breast Cancer
I hope I am not putting too much of a damper on your week this week. If anything, I’m trying to do the opposite. Just raising awareness and if my posts could save one life or help just one person, then it’s definitely all worth it. I came across this video, and it made me numb for a bit. I have heard of breast cancer, duh. But not this kind. Not this silent killer, who is far more silent than a silent pistol.
Remember that saying, “what you don’t know, won’t hurt you?” Well, in this case, what you don’t know kills you.
What do you know about breast cancer, or rather, what do you know to look for? I have always thought that I needed to be searching for a lump. Truth be told, every morning, I do a self exam just for my sanity and peace of mind. Granted, I am not at the supposed age where I need to start getting a yearly mammogram (that age being 40), however, I think the suggested age needs to be brought down significantly. Not only have I lost friends or strangers to breast cancer below the age of 40, in this chilling video, you will see a 16 year old, whose life was shortened by the silent killer, inflammatory breast cancer (IBC).
Warning: The video you are about to watch is graphic.
As you will hear and see from this very informative piece, inflammatory cancer gives no warning. A lot of physicians heard about this type of cancer in school, but never saw a case - neither are they familiar with the disease. From the time this video aired until now, a lot of information has been/is being provided, websites are updated and dedicated, brochures made, classes to educate formed, and more physicians are being enlightened. Prior to that, there was little or no information provided about IBC.
Readers, I urge you to send this to all the women in your life. Spread the word, pass this around. You can save many lives by doing this. IBC is the most aggressive form of breast cancer. No one really knows how to prevent or cure it, and most women have never heard about it until they become victims.
Here are the signs and symptoms to look for:
- Rapid change in the appearance of one breast, over the course of days or weeks
- Thickness, heaviness or visible enlargement of one breast
- Discoloration, giving the breast a red, purple, pink or bruised appearance
- Unusual warmth of the affected breast
- Dimpling or ridges on the skin of the affected breast, similar to an orange peel
- Itching
- Tenderness, pain or aching
- Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm, above the collarbone or below the collarbone
- Flattening or turning inward of the nipple
- Swollen or crusted skin on the nipple
- Change in color of the skin around the nipple (areola)
My favorite quote from the video, “nobody knows your own breast better than you.” Always remember that.
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Now that is scary. I have never heard of this. I will speak to my husband who is a physician and find out what he knows about it. This was so informative.
Thanks for sharing Folake.
Just heard of the triple negative breast cancer, which is very difficult to detect. One would need special clinical equipment to detect this.
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Checked on the half melons again, they thank you and send their love.
Unfortunaltly Folake, I haven;t been able to view the video. I’m sure it’s down to my slow connection, I’ll keep trying. Nevertheless, much respect to you for airing and encouraging discussion on these hidden and often scary issues as they ARE a matter of life and death. I detected a lump when I was still developing - at 13. We don’t have a family history, and, of course it was benign, but information - and education save lives. I’ll pass this to my friends. Thaanks again.
@ Kwavi- Thank you! Please keep us posted on whatever information you gather from your husband.
@ Lailo- That’s crazy. All these various types of breast cancer creeping up. Tell the half melons to stay intact. Tell them I said they are welcome:) Luv!
@ Debbie- Have you been able to view the video since you left your comment? May be you can go directly to youtube and type in “inflammatory breast cancer.” Thanks much for sharing your story. I’m sure a lot of people are reading and taking this seriously.
Thank you SO very much for the excellent and educational piece you wrote on Inflammatory Breast Cancer. My daughter is an 11 year ibc survivor of this insidious disease who continues to do remarkably well! For more information please visit our website at http://www.ERASEibc.com For those who are unable to view the video the IBC Foundaton will be more than happy to send you a copy; please write back to me with your mailing address. Thank you again for having this on your blog .. there is no question a life or lives have been saved!
Marilyn ‘Mare’ Kirschenbaum
Vice President
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Foundation
http://www.ERASEibc.com
Toll free in U.S.
1-866-944-4223