Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer in which cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast, accounts for 1 to 5 percent of all breast cancers diagnosed in the United States, and it often progresses in a matter of weeks or months. Given that it's not commonly seen in a mammogram, research into how IBC occurs and what can be done to stop it is crucial.
That's where the IBC Network Foundation comes in. The charity funds IBC research through donations and events (more on that in a bit), but as with any cancer charity, there are a few challenges that must be overcome.
Terry Arnold, founder of the IBC Network Foundation (and IBC survivor), notes via email that their challenges include "educating that there is more that one type of breast cancer - not all breast cancers have a lump or early detection. Also, funds are needed for more than education and awareness - we need funds for research as well."