Susan G. Komen Foundation

Susan G. Komen®

Susan G. Komen launches “More than Pink” movement in October supporting goal to cut current breast cancer deaths in half in 10 years!

1970’s: Women suffer breast cancer in silence. Limited resources, information, and support available. Few women are routinely screened. Little to no awareness of mammography, total mastectomy is standard procedure. Breast conserving surgery (lumpectomies) are adopted. Chemotherapy and radiation are the only non-surgical treatments. Tamoxifen is approved to treat patients with advanced breast cancer.

1980’s: The foundation is launched, launching the breast cancer movement. Komen launches its race for the cure series. 10% of women 40+ undergo mammograms.

1990’s: Identification of a genetic link to some breast and ovarian cancers. Less-invasive surgical techniques are introduced. Treatments improve: trastuzumab (Herceptin), taxanes. Tamoxifen approved to reduce risk of developing breast cancer. Breast cancer patients advocate for more federal funding of breast cancer research. Advocates help establish the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program for low-income and uninsured women.

2000’s: Researchers discover breast cancer subtypes based on discrete sets of genetic changes. Genetic tests are developed to help determine which patients need more aggressive treatment.

2010’s: New treatments for HER2+ breast cancer: pertuzumab, transtuzumab emtansine (T-DM1). Congress passes the EARLY Act, requiring breast cancer education for women under 40. Affordable Care Act requires coverage for screening mammography. Advocacy for equal access to oral anti-cancer drugs result in oral parity laws being passed in 42 States.

The Future: Reduce the number of breast cancer deaths by 50% within the next decade.

HOW ARE YOU GOING TO BE

 MORE THAN PINK? Act, Donate, Get Involved!

ACT: 1 in 8 women in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

DONATE: Our mission to help save lives and end breast cancer is made possible by YOUR support!

GET INVOLVED: Every step, every dollar, and every voice matters. Join us in the fight against brast cancer!