History and Impact

Susan G. Komen®

Our mission is to save lives by finding research breakthroughs for breast cancer and ensuring all people receive the care they need.

Our vision is a world without breast cancer.

Susan G. Komen® is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit outside of the federal government while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded more than $920 million in research and provided more than $2 billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide.

Two Sisters, One Promise

Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life.

Across the country, that promise is upheld by a network of local Komen Affiliates.

Progress in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Since 1982, Susan G. Komen® has played a critical role in every major advance in the fight against breast cancer – transforming how the world talks about and treats this disease and helping to turn millions of breast cancer patients into breast cancer survivors. We are proud of our contribution to some real victories:

• More early detection and effective treatment – Currently, about 70 percent of women age 40 and older receive annual mammograms, the single most effective screening tool to find breast cancer early. Since 1990, early detection and effective treatment have resulted in a 34 percent decline in breast cancer mortality in the U.S.

• More hope – In 1980, the 5-year relative survival rate for women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer (cancer confined to the breast) was about 74 percent. Today, that number is 99 percent.

• More research – The federal government now devotes more than $850 million each year to breast cancer research, treatment and prevention, compared to $30 million in 1982.

• More survivors – There are about 3 million breast cancer survivors, the largest group of cancer survivors in the U.S.