Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that accounts for 1-5% of all breast cancer cases. It is characterized by the rapid onset of symptoms, including redness, swelling, and warmth of the breast, as well as a thickening of the skin. While the exact cause of IBC is unknown, there are certain risk factors that may increase a person’s chances of developing the disease.
Age: IBC is more common in women over the age of 50.
Family History: Women with a family history of breast cancer are at an increased risk of developing IBC.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of IBC.
Hormone Therapy: Women who take hormone therapy for menopause are at an increased risk of developing IBC.
Alcohol Consumption: Women who consume more than two alcoholic beverages per day are at an increased risk of developing IBC.
Smoking: Women who smoke are at an increased risk of developing IBC.
Radiation Exposure: Women who have been exposed to radiation, such as through medical treatments or environmental sources, are at an increased risk of developing IBC.
Infections: Women who have had certain infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), are at an increased risk of developing IBC.
It is important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that a person will develop IBC. However, it is important to be aware of these risk factors and to discuss them with your doctor if you are concerned about your risk. Early detection and treatment are key to improving outcomes for IBC.