Mission

Susan G. Komen for the Cure: The organization was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor her sister, Susan G. Komen who died of breast cancer at 36. It is an international organization with a network of professional staff and volunteer advocates working through local affiliates and Race for the Cure® events in cities throughout the country, fighting to end breast cancer forever by advancing research, education, screening, and treatment.

Programs

One of the most innovative and responsive grant programs in breast cancer today, the Komen Foundation Research Program nationally has awarded more than 850 grants totaling more than $112.3 million for breast cancer research since the Foundations inception in 1982. The Komen Foundation is often the only source of funding for cutting-edge breast cancer research, much of which has led to landmark discoveries in the quest to find a cure for and eventually prevent breast cancer. Credited with bringing a new level of integrity to the grant application and review process, the Komen Foundation Research Program adheres to a peer-review process that is recognized by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). In the case of basic, clinical and translational research grants, applications are reviewed through a blind, or anonymous, peer-review process. For over 20 years, the Komen Foundation has provided millions of dollars in funding for innovative research projects. The current research portfolio includes: Training grants to doctoral dissertation students and postdoctoral fellows to recruit and retain young scientists in the field of breast cancer research; Basic, clinical and translational grants that encompass a broad number of focus areas including detection, diagnosis, prognosis, risk and prevention, treatment, tumor cell biology, and complementary and alternative medicines; Imaging technology research to improve breast cancer screening and diagnosis; and Epidemiological research to address the disparities that exist in breast cancer incidence and mortality rates among specific populations. In addition, the Komen Foundation has a National Toll-Free Breast Care Helpline that is answered by trained, caring volunteers whose lives have been personally touched by breast cancer. Call 410.938.8990. For the latest breast health and breast cancer information, visit your local Komen Maryland Web site at www.komenmd.org.