Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Recognizing the growing global impact of breast cancer, the shared challenges among countries worldwide, and the value of coordinated advocacy in the battle against this disease, Komen for the Cure began exploring outreach outside the U.S. in 1999. Since then, Komen has pursued its mission globally through the following venues:
Affiliates
International Affiliates of Komen for the Cure are currently operational in Italy, Germany and Puerto Rico. Thanks to the millions of women and men who have joined Komen’s global breast cancer movement, Komen is the world’s largest source of nonprofit funds for breast cancer research and community outreach programs with $1 billion invested to date.
Grants
In addition to funding research and outreach projects domestically, Komen has provided more than $30 million in funding for international breast cancer research and more than $8 million for international community education and outreach programs.
Initiatives
Ignite the Promise: Global Breast Cancer Advocate Summit took place in Budapest, Hungary on September 29-30, 2007. The Summit brought together breast cancer advocates from more than 25 countries – including 25 delegates from the Komen Affiliate Network – in order to elevate the dialogue on breast cancer’s global impact.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure Global Initiative for Breast Cancer Awareness was launched in October 2007 across Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. The initiative aims to create a dynamic global network of dedicated activists with the skills, knowledge and vision to play a strategic role in shaping their country’s response to the breast cancer crisis. At the core of the program is Course for the Cure™, a series of easily adaptable Komen training modules that are based on Komen’s experience in breast cancer awareness and advocacy. The modules cover five key topics: Community Assessment, Volunteer and Organization Development, Awareness & Education, Fundraising and Advocacy. The initiative is managed by the Institute of International Education (IIE) West Coast Center and implemented in collaboration with local organizations in eight countries..
Breast Health Global Initiative strives to develop, implement and study evidence-based, economically feasible, and culturally appropriate "Guidelines for International Breast Health and Cancer Control" for underdeveloped nations to improve breast health outcomes. This is an ongoing program founded by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Women's Health Empowerment Program Program focuses on developing services to improve the lives of women living with breast cancer and their families in collaboration with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. The program builds leadership within the local community; creates new services, such as support groups and hotlines; strengthens doctor-patient communication; and facilitates partnerships among government agencies, NGOs, and the medical and health community. Currently, the program is active in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, and Russia.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure founder Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker took the stage in Vienna in October to urge global health leaders to include cancer in screening and treatment programs in developing countries. See coverage from this global IAEA conference at http://cancer.iaea.org/index.asp
