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No lump, still cancer: Inflammatory Breast Cancer is a rare and aggressive threat

Houston – October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month when conversations surround detection and screenings. There is one form of breast cancer that doesn’t come up in conversations—Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). This aggressive and fast-moving type of cancer is often misdiagnosed which delays treatment when time is the most important.

Local survivors JoAnn Hill and Terry Arnold, through the IBC Network Foundation, are shedding light on their battle with IBC and their mission to increase awareness of this often-overlooked disease. We also spoke to Dr. Michelle Shen with Memorial Hermann about the presence of the disease and how it can often be looked at as an infection.

What is Inflammatory Breast Cancer?

IBC is one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer. Unlike more common forms of the disease, IBC doesn’t typically present with a lump. Instead, it begins with redness and swelling. IBC tends to occur in younger women (younger than 40) and Black women appear to develop IBC more often than White women. The symptoms can escalate quickly some common signs include:

  • Swelling of one breast
  • Redness or an orange-peel texture of the skin
  • Thickening of the skin as cancer cells invade the tissue

Survivor and IBC Network founder Terry Arnold shared her experience of noticing sudden changes in her breast. Initially, doctors assumed she had an infection, and treating her with low-dose antibiotics for nine weeks. However, the condition worsened, and by the time the diagnosis was confirmed, the cancer was already in an advanced stage. Doctors essentially told her to prepare for death. Now, 17 years later, she continues to share her story of hope.

Terry Arnold, IBC Survivor and founder of the IBC Network with another cancer survivor (KPRC TV)
IBC survivors (KPRC TV)

JoAnn Hill, another survivor, was diagnosed when she was 29 weeks pregnant. Her oncologist urged immediate chemotherapy following her diagnosis, underscoring the urgency of fighting IBC head-on.

JoAnn Hill with her sons Tristan and Michael (KPRC TV)
JoAnn Hill with newborn Tristan (KPRC TV)

Chemotherapy is often the first step in treating IBC, aimed at stopping the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, or brain.

The IBC Network, founded by Arnold, is devoted to spreading awareness and funding research. Alarmingly, IBC research remains underfunded, with fewer than 150 grants awarded for IBC research over the past 20 years. Arnold took action, launching the IBC Network Foundation to raise money for research—.89 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to this cause. So far, the foundation has raised nearly $2 million.

Join the Fight: Cure-ageous 5K Fun Run

This year, Cross Creek West will host the Cure-ageous 5K in Fulshear, Texas, on October 19. The event will include DJs, face painting, food trucks, and medals for participants. All funds raised will go toward research for IBC. For those unable to attend in person, there is an option to participate virtually.

To sign up for the event click here. To donate, visit the IBC Network Foundation’s website.


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