Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.  This year it is estimated that nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.  Approximately 1,700 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die each year.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include: One breast larger than the other Red or pink skin Swelling Rash (entire breast or small patches) Orange-like texture (peau d’ orange) Skin hot to the touch Pain and/or itchiness Ridges or thickened areas of breast Nipple discharge Nipples that appear inverted or flattened Swollen lymph nodes under the armpit Swollen lymph nodes of the neck (sometimes).  Common symptoms of breast cancer include: A change in how the breast or nipple feels. You may experience nipple tenderness or notice a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area.  Other possible associate symptoms include enlarged lymph nodes under the arm or above the collar bone on the affected side.  What should people do if they have IBC symptoms?  If one or more symptoms continue for more than a week, look for information and talk to a physician with experience with this particular type of breast cancer.  The symptoms must guide the diagnosis, and age should not be used to exclude it. 
Other conditions have symptoms resembling those of inflammatory breast cancer.  But it is important that a woman knows exactly what the symptoms of breast cancer are in order that they can easily recognize that they may have this condition and therefore get it treated much earlier.  If the symptoms of breast cancer can be diagnosed when it is in the early stages of development, then there is an increased chance of the condition being treated and a cure found.