Susan G. Komen® is working to create a future where no one loses someone they love to breast cancer. As National Breast Cancer Awareness Month approaches, Komen outlined the many ways the organization is making an impact on the breast cancer fight.
“We are committed to discovering more effective treatments for the future, while also alleviating the suffering of people facing the disease today – especially those living with incurable, metastatic breast cancer,” said Paula Schneider, CEO of Susan G. Komen. “That means we must apply a 360-degree approach to fighting this disease on all fronts, including driving research breakthroughs, removing barriers and improving access to quality care by providing treatment assistance and patient support, as well as advocating for patients with doctors and policy makers. While we have invested in more in fighting breast cancer than any other non-profit, we are not satisfied when more than 42,000 women and men will lose their lives this year. That’s why we will continue to focus our efforts on conquering the most aggressive and deadly breast cancers.”
As the leading non-profit funder of breast cancer research, Komen is committed to discovering more effective treatments and research breakthroughs to save lives. We are also committed to alleviating the suffering of those facing the disease now. Research will help us discover the cures, but breakthroughs will only save a life if patients can access the needed treatments. According to our scientific advisors, about 30 percent of the deaths from breast cancer could be avoided without a single new discovery by ensuring that all people can access and receive the standard of care that exists today.
One of the key ways we help support patients and their families is with trustworthy information about breast cancer, treatment options and additional resources for support. This includes:
- Patient navigators who help make sense of the chaos of diagnosis and treatment
- Outreach to inform and train at risk and under-represented populations about breast health, advocacy and inclusion in research
- A free national breast care helpline staffed by oncology social workers providing education, information and support
- A clinical trials helpline to support those seeking information and resources to explore these treatment options
- Online, printed and in-person educational resources, including our MBC Impact Series and other trainings and scientific and clinical seminars for patients and providers
- Public policy advocacy to educate policymakers and regulators about the needs of breast cancer patients
