West Lafayette — October 18, 2016
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation and two prestigious foundations today announced a collaboration aimed at finding new approaches to diagnosing and treating inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the Milburn Foundation and Susan G. Komen are seeking applications that will explore new ideas and novel approaches to combating IBC— a less common but particularly aggressive form of breast cancer that is difficult to diagnose and treat.

IBC is often difficult to diagnose because it frequently does not present as a lump. Instead, women notice symptoms such as redness and swelling or enlargement of the breast that are often mistaken as an infection, delaying diagnosis. By the time IBC is diagnosed, it is at an advanced stage (i.e., stage III or stage IV).

“It’s been a challenge to bring adequate research attention to inflammatory breast cancer,” said Ginny Mason RN, IBC Survivor and Executive Director of Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation. “Collaboration is essential for patient-focused success in both the research and nonprofit communities. We’re excited to be a part of this multi-organization initiative that provides a platform for creative collaborations and encourages submissions across disciplines.”

President and Chief Investment Officer of the Milburn Foundation Bryon Davis shared his thoughts on the genesis of collaboration among the three organizations.

“The Milburn Foundation is very pleased to have provided a valuable voice in structuring this multiparty collaboration,” Davis said. “By providing funding support and fostering relationships we helped to facilitate a new alliance that will support research innovation. We are exceptionally proud of what this initiative represents and are honored to partner with two organizations that demonstrate such a sincere commitment to the breast cancer cause.”

“Additional IBC research is needed to improve diagnosis of this unique subtype of breast cancer and understand how biology drives its progression, thereby leading to improved prognosis and more-effective treatment for those with IBC,” said Komen President and CEO Dr. Judy Salerno.