Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), which is characterized by involvement of the skin and a lack of a solid tumor mass, accounts for up to 3% of breast cancers. IBC is more likely to be HER2 and EGFR overexpressing than ductal or lobular invasive breast cancer, the most prevalent types of breast cancer. Patients with IBC tend to be younger than patients with other types of breast cancer (the majority of IBC patients are 40 to 59 years old) and they are also somewhat more likely to be African American or pregnant at the time of diagnosis.

Because IBC is so rare, no population studies have investigated the associations between IBC and consumption of specific foods. However, there have been a few laboratory studies that have demonstrated the impact of food extracts on IBC cells in the laboratory. These foods have also been found to be associated with lower risk of breast cancer overall in population studies. IBC patients who are overweight might lower their risk of recurrence by losing weight. Regular exercise has also been found to be associated with lower risk of metastasis of breast cancer, even in the absence of weight loss.

Very little research on diet exists that specifically mentions inflammatory breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer patients and survivors should also refer to our articles concerning breast cancer subtypes (e.g., HER2 overexpressing, ER+/PR+, triple negative) for additional information on diet.

Foods that reduce the risk of inflammatory breast cancer

Extracts of the foods listed below have been reported to oppose the growth or progression of inflammatory breast cancer:

Pomegranate juice

Reishi mushroom

The following foods have components that have been shown to inhibit the EGFR receptor. These foods have also been associated with reduced risk of breast cancer in general.

Arugula Blueberries Bok choy Broccoli Brussels sprouts Cabbage Carrots, purple Cauliflower Celery Cherries Collard greens Cranberries Flaxseed Grapes, red Green tea Horseradish

Hot peppers Kale Mustard Mustard greens Parsley Pomegranates Raspberries Red cabbage Red onions Saffron Seaweed, brown Soybeans Tofu Turmeric Watercress

Foods that could increase the risk of inflammatory breast cancer

Since it has been shown that serum copper concentration correlates with tumor incidence and burden and that a reduction in copper inhibits angiogenesis, we recommend against consuming the following high-copper foods:

Molasses, especially blackstrap molasses

Calf's liver

Lima beans

Shellfish

Additional comments

It is important for inflammatory breast cancer patients and survivors to eat a wide variety of the foods on our recommended food list and limit or avoid those on our avoid list, in addition to paying particular attention to the foods above.