The bill mandates that all professional nursing education programs in New Jersey incorporate specific training on inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that presents unique symptoms and challenges in diagnosis. The curriculum will be developed in collaboration with experts in the field, ensuring that nursing students receive comprehensive education on the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of IBC. This initiative aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of future nurses, enabling them to recognize the signs of IBC, which often do not include a palpable lump and may not be detected through standard mammography.

By including IBC education in nursing programs, the bill seeks to improve early detection and treatment outcomes for patients, particularly since IBC disproportionately affects younger women and women of color. The legislation emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis in increasing survival rates, thereby addressing a critical gap in current nursing education. The act will take effect 12 months after its enactment, allowing time for the necessary administrative preparations for implementation.