Raising Awareness for IBC at NCoBC 2026

The 35th Annual Interdisciplinary Breast Center Conference, hosted by the National Consortium of Breast Centers, brought together breast care professionals, advocates, survivors, and leaders from across the country to Cleveland, Ohio. As representatives of the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Sara Zimov and I were honored to attend this important gathering with one clear purpose: to raise awareness about inflammatory breast cancer.

Throughout the conference, the IBCRF exhibit provided an opportunity to speak directly with clinicians, breast center professionals, advocates, and attendees about the signs and symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer. Many conversations centered on one critical message: you do not have to have a lump to have breast cancer. For inflammatory breast cancer, symptoms may appear as rapid changes in the breast, including redness, swelling, warmth, heaviness, skin changes, or nipple changes. Because these symptoms can be mistaken for infection or other benign conditions, awareness and timely action are essential.

One of the most meaningful parts of the conference was the Pink Carpet experience and the screening of Inflammingo, sponsored by the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The documentary offered a powerful and deeply human look at the journey of Sherry Hartfield, whose diagnosis became a platform for education, advocacy, and hope. Through the voices of patients, advocates, specialists, researchers, IBCRF founder, Ginny Mason, IBCRF board member, Thelma Brown, and the community that surrounded her, the film reminded attendees why awareness matters and why the work of IBCRF remains so urgent.

The screening created space not only for education, but also for reflection. It was a moving reminder that inflammatory breast cancer is rare, aggressive, and still too often misunderstood. Yet it also showed the strength of a community determined to bring this disease out of the shadows. Sherry’s message, “Have a Flamingo Day,” carried through the evening as a symbol of courage, resilience, and the power of using one’s voice to help others.

Participating in NCoBC 2026 reaffirmed the importance of advocacy in professional breast care spaces. Every conversation, every shared resource, and every question asked helped move awareness forward. Inflammatory breast cancer awareness saves time, and time can save lives. IBCRF’s presence at NCoBC 2026 helped ensure that this message reached the professionals and advocates who can carry it back to their communities, clinics, and patients.