Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Susan G. Komen for the Cure, formerly known as The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, is an organization supporting breast cancer research. Since its inception in 1982, Komen has invested nearly $1 billion in research, education and health services, making it the largest nonprofit funding source for breast health and breast cancer in the world. Komen has more than 75,000 volunteers nationwide &mdash; 122 affiliates in the United States (47 of 50 states) and 3 in other countries.

History


Susan G. Komen was a woman from Peoria, Illinois who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33 and died three years later, in 1980. Komen's sister, Nancy Brinker, feeling that Susan's outcome might have been better if patients knew more about cancer and its treatment, and remembering a promise to her sister that she would find a way to speed up breast cancer research, founded the The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in Komen's memory in 1982.

In 2007, the 25th anniversary of the organization, it changed its name to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, created a new logo, and adopted the explicit mission "to end breast cancer forever".

Grants and awards
Since 1982, Komen has provided funding for basic, clinical and translational breast cancer research and for innovative projects in the areas of breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment. In addition, Komen awards three-year postdoctoral fellowships to individuals working under the guidance of experienced cancer researchers in order to recruit and retain young scientists in the field of breast cancer research.

In addition to funding research, Komen and its affiliates fund non-duplicative, community-based breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment projects for the medically under-served.

Since 1992, Komen has also annually awarded work in the field of cancer research with the Komen Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction.

Research grants
Komen has dedicated nearly $1 billion to creating awareness and finding a cure for breast cancer, making it the nation's largest private funding source for breast health and breast cancer.

Since 1982, Komen has awarded more than 1,000 breast cancer research grants totaling more than $180 million. Credited with bringing a new level of integrity to the grant application and review process, Komen adheres to a peer-review process that is recognized by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

As of 2007, research grants are available for basic, clinical, and translational research; postdoctoral fellowships; and breast cancer disparities research.

Public policy
Komen has taken the stand that scientific progress needs to be complemented by sound public policy. Komen works to influence public policy-makers at the federal, state and local levels to increase public investment in quality breast health and breast cancer care. As part of their efforts, Komen has established Komen Champions for the Cure, a structured advocacy organization that, through community involvement, contacts Congress, federal officials, state legislators, and other policy makers about breast cancer.

Global activities
According to the United Nations World Health Organization, more than 500,000 people worldwide die from breast cancer every year, and breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide. Komen for the Cure states that its aim is to "reduce the burden of breast cancer on a global level". Believing that no single approach to breast health will prove effective around the world, Komen works with local communities and organizations to develop programs for particular groups or cultures.

Events

 * Komen Race for the Cure &mdash; a series of 5 kilometer run/fitness walk foot races to raise money and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrates breast cancer survivorship, and memorializes those who lost their battle with the disease
 * The Breast Cancer 3-Day &mdash; a 60-mile walk for women and men: participants walk 60 miles (96.6 km) in three days to help raise millions of dollars for breast cancer research and patient support programs.
 * Passionately Pink for the Cure &mdash; a fundraising and education program in conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
 * Komen Champions for the Cure (see Public Policy above)

Controversy and criticism
Komen has given Planned Parenthood more than $475,000 in grants for breast cancer treatment as part of its efforts to support community outreach programs. This has garnered criticism from pro-life advocates because of Planned Parenthood's role as an abortion provider. When Komen refused to stop providing grants to Planned Parenthood, Curves, a privately held fitness franchise firm owned by staunch pro-life advocate Gary Heavin, ceased supporting Komen events.

Komen has also been caught up in the controversy over "pinkwashing," &mdash; the use of breast cancer by corporate marketers, in which companies promote their products with claims to donate a percentage of proceeds to the cause. Komen benefits greatly from these corporate partnerships, receiving over $30 million a year. But critics claim many of these promotions are deceptive to consumers and benefit the companies more than the charity.

Official websites

 * Susan G. Komen for the Cure website

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