Here's something I didn't know until about five minutes ago: there is more than one type of breast cancer, and the most aggressive type is undetectable by self-examination or mammogram. It is called Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

My younger sister sent me a youtube video about IBC, which was the first time I had ever heard of it. Please watch the video.

Here are some of the major symptoms of IBC, according to the IBC Research Foundation:

• Swelling, usually sudden, sometimes a cup size in a few days
• Itching
• Pink, red, or dark colored area (called erythema) sometimes with texture similar to the skin of an orange (called peau d’orange)
• Ridges and thickened areas of the skin
• Nipple retraction
• Nipple discharge, may or may not be bloody
• Breast is warm to the touch
• Breast pain (from a constant ache to stabbing pains)
• Change in color and texture of the areola

As I've been writing this, I've had the TV on in the background, and I've already heard several commercials about weight loss, feminine odor, and cosmetics--all targeted to women. It's this overabundance of useless information, and the dearth of life-saving information about women's health and overall wellbeing, that reminds me of why women's movements are absolutely crucial.

"What you don't know can't hurt you." So the saying goes, but I choose to disagree. I hope you will, too.

Please educate yourself, spread the word, and keeping working for a more just and loving world.