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.^{[citation needed]} Komen has more than 75,000 volunteers nationwide — 122 affiliates in the United States (47 of 50 states) and 3 in other countries. Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Breast cancer is cancer of breast tissue. ...

History

Team Pattie - a group participating in a Komen Race for the Cure event

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.^[1] 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,^[2] founded the The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in Komen's memory in 1982. Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1280 × 960 pixel, file size: 431 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Caption: Judith, Patti and me. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1280 × 960 pixel, file size: 431 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Caption: Judith, Patti and me. ... : See how it plays in Peoria United States Illinois Peoria 46. ... Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker Ambassador Nancy Goodman Brinker (born December 6, 1946 in Peoria, Illinois) is the founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, an organization named after her only sister, Susan, who died from breast cancer in 1980 at the age of 36. ...

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.^[3]

Since 1992, Komen has also annually awarded work in the field of cancer research with the Komen Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction. The Komen Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction was established by the Komen Foundation in 1992 to recognize extraordinary achievement in breast cancer-related basic scientific research and in clinical applications in research, screening and treatment of the disease. ...

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.^[4]

Since 1982, Komen has awarded more than 1,000 breast cancer research grants totaling more than $180 million.^[3] Credited with bringing a new level of integrity to the grant application and review process^{[citation needed]}, 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.^[5]

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.^[6]

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.^[7] 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.^[8] “WHO” redirects here. ...

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
• Komen Champions for the Cure (see Public Policy above)

Race for the Cure Logo Race for the Cure is a series of road races run to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and to raise awareness about breast cancer. ... Road running in a U.S. Air Force marathon Fun runners taking part in the Bristol Half Marathon Road running is the sport of running on a measured course over an established road (as opposed to track and cross country running). ... The Breast Cancer 3-Day is a 60-mile walk for men and women who want to make a personal difference in the fight against breast cancer. ... Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention and cure. ...

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.^[9] 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.^[10] This article is about Planned Parenthood Federation of America. ... Curves, (aka Curves for Women, Curves International, Curves Fitness) is an international fitness franchise founded by Gary Heavin in 1995. ...

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.^[11]

See also

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

Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker Ambassador Nancy Goodman Brinker (born December 6, 1946 in Peoria, Illinois) is the founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, an organization named after her only sister, Susan, who died from breast cancer in 1980 at the age of 36. ... Race for the Cure Logo Race for the Cure is a series of road races run to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and to raise awareness about breast cancer. ... The Breast Cancer 3-Day is a 60-mile walk for men and women who want to make a personal difference in the fight against breast cancer. ... The Komen Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction was established by the Komen Foundation in 1992 to recognize extraordinary achievement in breast cancer-related basic scientific research and in clinical applications in research, screening and treatment of the disease. ... This list of health related charity fundraisers includes event designed to raise funds to fight disease and improve health. ...

Notes

1. ^ "About Komen" (old version). Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation official page. Retrieved 2007-02-18.
2. ^ "Susan G. Komen's Story" by Nancy Brinker. Susan G. Komen for the Cure official page. Retrieved 2007-02-18.
3. ^ ^{a b} Komen Grants & Awards. Susan G. Komen for the Cure official page. Retrieved on 2007-03-30.
4. ^ [1] San Francisco Chronicle, 14 May 2007
5. ^ "Research Grants". Susan G. Komen for the Cure official page. Retrieved 2007-02-18.
6. ^ "Public Policy". Susan G. Komen for the Cure official page. Retrieved 2007-02-18.
7. ^ Cancer Fact Sheet. World Health Organization. Retrieved on 2007-04-11.
8. ^ Susan G. Komen for the Cure: Our Global Reach. Retrieved on 2007-04-11.
9. ^ "St. Louis Roman Catholic archbishop criticizes charity for supporting Planned Parenthood, stem cell research", International Herald Tribune, Associated Press, 2007-04-27. Retrieved on 2007-05-17. 
10. ^ The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Planned Parenthood. The Komen Foundation. Retrieved on 2007-04-23.
11. ^ Stacie, Stukin. "Pink Ribbon Promises", TIME, 2006-10-08. Retrieved on 2007-04-23. 

Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 49th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 49th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 89th day of the year (90th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Todays San Francisco Chronicle was founded in 1865 as The Daily Dramatic Chronicle by teenage brothers Charles de Young and Michael H. de Young. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 49th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 49th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 101st day of the year (102nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 101st day of the year (102nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 137th day of the year (138th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 113th day of the year (114th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Look up time in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 113th day of the year (114th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

Official websites

• Susan G. Komen for the Cure website