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 raised over $1 billion for research, education and health services, [ [http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-brinker_03met.ART.West.Edition1.45fce6d.html] , Dallas Morning News, accessed May 4 2008] making it the largest breast cancer charity in the US. Komen has more than 75,000 volunteers nationwide — 122 affiliates in the United States (47 of 50 states) and 3 in other countries. Susan G. Komen for the Cure received Charity Navigator's highest rating, four stars. [ [http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4509 Susan G. Komen for the Cure] , Charity Navigator, accessed March 15 2008.]

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. [http://cms.komen.org/komen/AboutUs/SusanGKomensStory/index.htm "Susan G. Komen's story"] , Susan G. Komen for the Cure official website. Accessed March 2, 2008.] Komen's younger 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 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. [ [http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2007/05/14/SPG5FPPN3G1.DTL] San Francisco Chronicle, 14 May 2007]

Since 1982, Komen has awarded more than 1,000 breast cancer research grants totaling more than $180 million.cite web |url=http://cms.komen.org/komen/GrantsAwards/index.htm |title=Komen Grants & Awards |publisher=Susan G. Komen for the Cure official page |accessdate = 2007-03-30] 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. [ [http://cms.komen.org/Komen/GrantsAwards/ResearchGrants/index.htm "Research Grants"] . Susan G. Komen for the Cure official page. Retrieved 2007-02-18.]

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. [ [http://cms.komen.org/komen/PublicPolicy/index.htm "Public Policy".] Susan G. Komen for the Cure official page. Retrieved 2007-02-18.]

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. [cite web |url=http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/index.html |title=Cancer Fact Sheet |publisher=World Health Organization |accessdate = 2007-04-11 ] 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. [cite web |url=http://cms.komen.org/komen/AboutUs/OurGlobalReach/index.htm |title=Susan G. Komen for the Cure: Our Global Reach |accessdate = 2007-04-11]

Events

* Komen Race for the Cure — 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 — 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 — a fundraising and education program in conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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. [cite news |title=St. Louis Roman Catholic archbishop criticizes charity for supporting Planned Parenthood, stem cell research |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/04/27/america/NA-REL-US-Archbishop-Charities.php |work=International Herald Tribune |publisher=Associated Press |date=2007-04-27 |accessdate = 2007-05-17 ] When Komen refused to stop providing grants to Planned Parenthood, Curves, a privately held fitness franchise firm owned by pro-life advocate Gary Heavin, ceased supporting Komen events. [cite web |url=http://curvers.squarespace.com/the-latest/2004/05/18/the-susan-g-komen-breast-cancer-foundation-and-planned-parenthood.html |title=The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Planned Parenthood |publisher=The Komen Foundation |accessdate = 2007-04-23 ]

Komen has also been caught up in the controversy over "pinkwashing," — 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.cite news | first=Stukin| last=Stacie| title=Pink Ribbon Promises| publisher=TIME| date=2006-10-08 | url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1543947-1,00.html| accessdate = 2007-04-23 ]

ee also

* Nancy Brinker
* Race for the Cure
* Breast Cancer 3-Day
* Komen Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction
*List of health related charity fundraisers

Notes

External links

* [http://www.komen.org/ Susan G. Komen for the Cure website]