🧡 My Wear It Orange 2025 Fundraising Story

This October, I’m joining The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Network UK to Be the Orange in the Pink.

Most people have never heard of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) — a rare, aggressive form of breast cancer that doesn’t usually present with a lump. Instead, it can cause redness, swelling, or skin changes known as peau d’orange (where the skin looks like orange peel). Persistent pain in the affected breast can also be a symptom. IBC doesn't always show up on mammograms, and women who have IBC are often too young for screening mammograms. IBC is often initially misdiagnosed as mastitis or a skin condition.

All genders can get IBC.

Because of how it develops, IBC can’t be diagnosed earlier than stage 3. Stage 3 is locally advanced and has spread beyond the breast to the nearby lymph nodes, and Stage 4 is advanced and has spread to other organs like bones, brain, liver or lungs. One in 3 IBC patients already have Stage 4 cancer when first diagnosed. That makes awareness and education absolutely vital — the earlier the signs are recognised, the sooner treatment can begin.

I had Stage 3 IBC in 2012. I am still No Evidence of Disease but I have a lifelong risk of recurrence, spread or a new cancer. I had never heard of IBC and never suspected I might have cancer until I googled my symptoms.

On Saturday 4th October 2025, which is IBC Awareness Day, I’ll be wearing orange to help raise funds for vital UK research and to spread the word about the signs of IBC. This charity is literally saving or extending peoples' lives.

Please support my fundraising and help us turn October orange for IBC.