About
Susan G. Komen is the breast cancer organization behind one of the world's most recognized health movements. Established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor a promise to her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died of breast cancer in 1980 at age 36, the Dallas, Texas-based organization addresses breast cancer on multiple fronts, including research, community health, global outreach, and public policy initiatives.
Mission
Komen's mission is to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. Its vision is a world without breast cancer.
What they do
- Research funding: to date, Komen has invested nearly $3.6 billion in groundbreaking research, community health outreach, advocacy, and programs in more than 60 countries. Over the past 30 years, 29 new breast cancer-fighting drugs were made possible in part due to Komen research funding.
- Patient support: a Breast Care Helpline (1-877 GO KOMEN), a Patient Care Center, clinical trial information, financial assistance and insurance resources, and educational materials for patients and caregivers.
- Fundraising events: the Race for the Cure and the Komen 3-Day Walk, along with DIY fundraising programs.
- Advocacy: public policy initiatives and an Advocates in Science program.
- Research infrastructure: initiatives such as ShareForCures, the Center for Applied Research, big data programs, and patient navigator training.
History
Nancy Brinker established the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 1982, two years after her sister Suzy died following a three-year battle with breast cancer. That same year, Komen awarded its first research grant of $28,000 to Dr. Gary Spitzer at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The first Race for the Cure took place in Dallas, Texas, in 1983 with 800 participants. In 1991, Komen established the pink ribbon as a national symbol for the cause by distributing one to every participant in the New York City Race for the Cure. By 2002, more than 1.3 million people were participating in over 100 Race for the Cure events, and the first international race had been held in Costa Rica in 1998.
Scale and impact
Komen states that its work has helped fuel research that contributed to a 44% reduction in the breast cancer mortality rate since 1989. The organization operates from its Dallas headquarters and a Washington, D.C. office, with affiliates and community programs around the country.
Financials
According to ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, for the fiscal year ending March 2025 the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (EIN 75-1835298) reported total revenue of $103,154,379, total expenses of $110,497,282, and net assets of $124,106,891. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.