What is Inflammatory Breast Cancer? | Ginny Mason

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07/03/23

Ginny Mason, BSN, RN, is the Executive Director of the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation (ibcRF), a member of the Alliance and grass-roots organization dedicated to improving the lives of those touched by inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) through the power of action and advocacy. This is done by fostering innovative IBC research, educating stakeholders, and advocating for both patients and survivors. Ginny has served in a number of research advocacy positions in her lifetime and continues to serve on advisory boards and as a Komen Advocate in Science. Ginny helped develop and implement the IBC Research Foundation BioBank and Clinical Data Base project in 2005. Ginny continues to manage patient enrollment, working with researchers and the Medical Advisory Board. She has spent close to 20 years since her diagnosis using her voice to advocate for breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer patients.

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and very aggressive disease in which cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast. This type of breast cancer is called “inflammatory” because the breast often looks swollen and red, or inflamed. IBC is more difficult to diagnose than other types of breast cancer, and there is a lack of understanding of the disease… even among the medical community. Only increased awareness and education, and more research—including participation in clinical trials—can help improve outcomes and quality of life for IBC patients.

This video is part of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance's Here All Year campaign. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is just October, but we're Here All Year.

The Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance strives to ensure that all metastatic breast cancer patients and their caregivers know how to and are able to access the care and services they need from a responsive and well-informed healthcare system. We are doing that by working to build understanding of Metastatic Breast Cancer and how it differs from early stage breast cancer among those diagnosed—as well as their families, health care providers, researchers, and health policy makers and influencers.

Each month, our Here All Year campaign explores a new topic around metastatic breast cancer—from myth and stigma busters, to new research and strategies for improving outcomes. Want to help make a difference for people living with MBC, all year long? Dig deeper into the research, explore the available resources and share them on your social and email channels.