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 requiring this specialized education, the bill seeks to improve early detection and treatment of IBC, ultimately aiming to increase survival rates for patients affected by this condition. The act is set to take effect 12 months after its enactment, although preparatory administrative actions may be taken in advance to facilitate its implementation.