Susan G. Komen for the Cure Announces Extension of U.S.-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research

Middle East Partnership Continues the Commitment to Make Breast Cancer a Global Priority

AMMAN, JORDAN - March 26, 2007 - Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world's leading breast cancer organization, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, U.S. Department of State, and King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Cancer Center today announced a partnership and series of events developed to raise awareness of breast cancer in the country of Jordan.

This partnership is an extension of the U.S. Department of State's Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and the Middle East Partnership Initiative. The U.S.-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research is the first major women's health campaign in that part of the world.

Middle East breast cancer mortality rate
In the Middle East, the mortality to incidence ratio for breast cancer is higher than in the United States and many other countries, meaning that a disproportionate number of women in the Middle East die from the disease.

"With a 44 percent mortality rate for those diagnosed with breast cancer, it is obvious we need to make saving lives a priority in Jordan," said Nancy G. Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. "The death rate is truly alarming. We know we can reduce that rate significantly through education and early detection."

The partnership is an extension of an education initiative launched in October 2006 in the United Arab Emirates designed to raise awareness of breast cancer in the Middle East and to empower women. Princess Ghida Talal, chairperson of the board of trustees of The King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Princess Dina Mired, director general, King Hussein Cancer Foundation are formalizing the relationship in Jordan. Nancy Brinker and Karen Hughes, U.S. Under Secretary of the State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, launched the initial partnership while in Abu Dhabi, UAE, last year.

Partnership includes education programs
Along with Brinker, Komen for the Cure's CEO and President Hala Moddelmog and Director of International Diana Rowden are also in Amman to support the partnership. In conjunction with the partnership announcement, several education programs were scheduled. Susan Brown, Komen manager of health education and Ana Teasdale, international services representative, yesterday conducted a breast health clinic for breast cancer activists and health professionals. Dr. Kendra Woods, M.D Anderson's director of extramural programs, and Yasmin Kazzaz, director of extramural programs, Nursing Department, also conducted educational sessions.

Helping women in Jordan lead the fight against breast cancer
"Susan G. Komen for the Cure intends to help women in Jordan build the knowledge, tools and resources needed to lead the fight against breast cancer in their own communities," said Moddelmog. "Through this partnership, breast cancer activists and health professionals in Jordan will have access to experts from Komen for the Cure and M.D. Anderson as they work to develop programs geared toward their communities."

Representatives from Jordan to attend Global Advocates Summit
In September 2007, two representatives from Jordan will attend Komen for the Cure's first-ever Global Advocates Summit in Budapest with First Lady Mrs. Laura Bush as the honorary chair. Komen will pair 25 U.S. advocates with 25 global citizens from around the world to learn from one another, discussing breast cancer as a global disease and how best to define breast health guidelines in underdeveloped nations. The summit will bring together real people working to examine the social, cultural and financial conditions that prevent women from receiving quality breast health care and treatment in communities around the world, including the work that Komen grants have supported in more than 47 countries.

Learn more about the Global Advocates Summit and delegate criteria/submit an application.