Susan G Komen is the world’s premier breast cancer organization. Their mission is to eliminate breast cancer as a life-altering disease through research, education and advocacy.
Established in 1982 to honor Susan Goodman Komen, this foundation is dedicated to funding breast cancer research and increasing public awareness about the disease. Additionally, they host the yearly Race for the Cure event.
breast cancer
Breast cancer is a disorder in which abnormal cells grow and divide without the control of our bodies’ natural systems. Tumors may take years to appear, or they may progress rapidly and cause symptoms right away.
The breast is an organ located atop the upper ribs and chest muscles, composed of glands, ducts and fatty tissue. In women, these glands produce milk to nourish newborns and infants through ducts – small canals carrying milk up into the nipple (inside the breast).
Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells begin to proliferate. It can begin in either the lining cells of ducts and lobules (85%) or glandular tissue (15%).
Breast cancers that start as “in situ” (stage 0) in ducts or lobules usually remain undetected for some time, though they can spread to nearby breast tissue or lymph nodes over time.
Invasive breast cancers may spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or liver. This is known as regional metastasis or distant metastasis and may lead to new cancer-related symptoms.
To prevent breast cancer from spreading to other parts of your body, your doctor may suggest a screening test called a mammogram. In the United States, most insurance companies cover these tests with no out-of-pocket expense to you.
Komen provides patient navigation programs to eliminate barriers to quality healthcare. It aims to train individuals who work in patient-facing roles in metropolitan areas with significant health disparities and increase the diversity of the patient navigation workforce.
breast cancer awareness
When it comes to breast cancer awareness, there are many ways you can get involved. One popular way is through fundraising; another way is donating and volunteering.
You can help raise awareness about breast cancer by participating in walks and events throughout the year. These could be organized by various organizations or individuals. One popular example is participating in the annual Walk for the Cure.
Other events may be held to honor women who have succumbed to breast cancer or raise funds for research. These gatherings offer an opportunity to connect with others affected by this illness and to pay tribute.
A pink ribbon is an iconic symbol of breast cancer awareness that was first used by the Komen Foundation in 1990 and has since become a global representation.
Breast cancer awareness exists to spread knowledge about the disease and encourage people to get screened for it. Doing so can help detect early-stage breast cancer so that treatment is more successful, plus prevent future cases from arising which could mean longer survival rates for those diagnosed.
By raising awareness about breast cancer, researchers hope to discover more effective treatments and reduce its stigma. Unfortunately, many patients and families still harbor negative feelings about it which make it harder for them to seek assistance or ask questions of healthcare professionals.
Susan G Komen provides resources to those diagnosed with breast cancer or at risk of developing it, to help them better understand their condition and navigate the medical system. They even offer a free Breast Care Helpline where specialists and oncology social workers offer emotional support to patients. By asking probing questions of their healthcare team, patients gain more knowledge about their diagnosis, are empowered to ask pertinent questions, and advocate for themselves and those close to them.
breast cancer statistics
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among women and also one of the leading causes of cancer death among them.
In the United States, an estimated 3.8 million women are living with or beyond breast cancer. This includes people who have been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer (ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS) as well as those who have undergone treatment but still have the disease.
In the United States, more women than any other nation are diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s the most common cancer among female Americans.
However, the numbers that show how many women have breast cancer in a given place don’t take into account other factors like age or race/ethnicity of the women. As such, comparing the number of women who have breast cancer in one town with that number in other towns can be difficult.
Overall, the rate of new cases of invasive breast cancer has increased over recent years. This surge is largely attributed to an increase in local-stage disease and hormone receptor-positive cancers.
Despite these trends, breast cancer mortality rates have continued to decrease due to improved screening methods and greater awareness about the disease. These improvements can be attributed to more effective treatments like chemotherapy or hormone therapy as well as earlier detection.
Globally, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among females worldwide and it accounts for more lost disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) than any other type of cancer. Estimates predict that about 2.3 million women will succumb to this illness worldwide in 2020.
breast cancer awareness fundraiser
Breast cancer awareness fundraisers are an excellent way to raise money for your cause while becoming involved in a community of people fighting for their lives. Popular fundraising events include race walks, bike rides, and more – the possibilities are endless!
The Susan G Komen Foundation hosts a variety of races across America to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and advocacy. Events like More Than Pink Walk, Race for the Cure and Komen 3-Day walks can be joined to show your support for research and advocacy on behalf of breast cancer patients.
Another successful breast cancer awareness fundraiser is a bake sale. Whether you set up at an area school or sporting event, or even host a party at home with friends and family, bake sales are easy to organize and can be an enjoyable way to engage people in your cause.
One way to make your bake sale even more unique is by asking local businesses for a percentage of all baked goods sold. Doing this will enable you to raise an impressive amount of funds.
Fundraisers such as catwalk shows are another popular way to raise funds for breast cancer awareness. No matter your budget, local designers, hairdressers and stylists may donate their services in support of your cause.
For a more intimate fundraising event, hosting a tea party or luncheon is ideal. This could be held at your local salon or friend’s home and guests are asked to contribute as their admission.
Donation boxes next to your cash register are an effective way to raise money for breast cancer research. Alternatively, ask local businesses to sponsor a booth at your event as another way of raising awareness and funds.
breast cancer awareness fundraiser gifts
When someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, they need a great deal of support. One way to show them you care is by donating money to the Susan G Komen Foundation which works towards finding a cure and raising awareness about this devastating disease.
Aside from donations, there are other ways you can contribute to the cause. For instance, volunteering at a local fundraiser or event and wearing pink to show your support will make an impact.
Another option is making a donation in honor of someone affected by breast cancer or to mark an important occasion like birthdays and anniversaries. Through Komen’s ‘In Honor’ program, you can create a page that pays tribute to the person or family you wish to remember while also encouraging others to donate in their name.
One of the best ways to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research is through fundraising walks such as Making Strides Against Breast Cancer or Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. These events take place nationwide throughout October, providing ample opportunities to raise both funds and awareness.
Many companies are creating products to support the fight against breast cancer. Kitchen supply brands like KitchenAid and Kyocera have joined forces with Komen to create products people will enjoy using while also contributing to this worthwhile cause.
If you’re searching for a gift to show someone who supports breast cancer awareness, consider giving them some New Balance running socks in a color representative of the cause. Not only will these be an excellent addition to any athlete’s wardrobe, but also help spread awareness about finding a cure.