Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare form of breast cancer. Only 1 to 5% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are diagnosed with this very aggressive form of it, and it usually strikes younger women (45-50 years old). IBC involves the lymphatic system of the breast forming "sheets" or "nests" rather than a solid tumor like many other forms of cancer. As a result, it is more difficult for doctors to diagnose.

Mammography is essentially a low-dose x-ray used to examine breasts. A mammogram is helpful in the diagnosis of breast cancer, and other breast disease in women. Although the procedure may cause some temporary pain for some women (from compressing the breast), it is not invasive and the benefits far outweigh any potential discomfort.

Breast cancer is discovered by screening patients, with or without symptoms. Screening involves a series of tests to determine if a person has any evidence of breast cancer. Ideally, screening is done on a regular basis since early detection improves the chance for successful treatment. The guidelines developed by the American Cancer Society (ACS) improve a patient's chances of finding breast cancer at an early stage.

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women, second only to lung cancer in cancer-related deaths among women. In 2009, almost 180,000 women will discover they have breast cancer. What can you do about this? Early detection is key. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chance treatment will be successful.

This year, 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. How can you increase your chances of early detection? One way is a monthly Breast Self Examination (BSE). The earlier you find breast cancer, the better the cure rate and the easier it is to treat.

There are several types of breast cancer. The more common forms are carcinoma in situ, ductal carcinoma in situ, lobular carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, and invasive lobular carcinoma.