Stage III Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Katrece's Patient Story

What happened, in summary

Katrece Nolen was diagnosed with Stage III inflammatory breast cancer in February 2013. Her first sign was that one breast looked slightly larger than the other. A doctor found swelling and warmth but no lump and initially treated her for possible mastitis. A mammogram was read as not suspicious. Within weeks, however, her left breast had swollen so much that she could not button her shirt.

Katrece pushed for a faster breast-surgeon appointment when she was initially told she might have to wait months. The surgeon suspected inflammatory breast cancer and ordered a skin biopsy, which confirmed cancer. Katrece quickly began chemotherapy, followed by mastectomy and radiation. She also faced the challenge of raising young children while trying to understand her treatment options.

Katrece was interested in clinical trials but was not offered one through her local oncology practice. That experience later became central to her advocacy, particularly around access to information and trials in underserved communities. More than 10 years after diagnosis, she was taking medication to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. She wrote a book, connected with other women affected by inflammatory breast cancer, and encouraged patients to speak up for themselves in medical settings.