DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Susan G. Komen® has partnered with Pfizer®, one of the world’s premier biopharmaceutical companies, to present a line-up of educational events, held in local communities across the United States and aimed at helping improve the lives of women and men living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) – the form of the disease responsible for most of the nation’s 41,000 annual breast cancer deaths.
It is estimated that at least 154,000 people are currently living with MBC in the United States. Komen’s broad Affiliate Network – comprised of survivors and activists in multiple cities and communities – is uniquely positioned to provide information and support to those living with metastatic breast cancer and those who love them, as they face the unique challenges and concerns of living with this disease. To that end, Pfizer is donating $500,000 in support of MBC programming, to be led by Komen Affiliates and produced by Komen’s national headquarters. Programming may include evidence-based patient-focused conferences, events, and other activities designed to educate the MBC community.
“These Komen conferences provide critical support for people living with metastatic breast cancer, who tell us they often feel alone and unsupported,” said Susan G. Komen President and CEO, Paula Schneider. “We’re honored to provide an opportunity for people with metastatic disease to find the help that they need, and are deeply grateful to Pfizer for the funding that will allow us to do so on a greater scale.”
Funding will support events being held beginning September 2018 through December 2019, which will inform attendees of the latest news and updates within the metastatic breast cancer landscape. Additionally, they will bring together top community researchers and doctors, alongside national experts, to discuss MBC, treatment advances, clinical trials, complementary approaches, support programs, and national advocacy issues.
“While important progress has been made in recent years to improve breast cancer awareness and education, there is still a substantial need to increase information and support for those living with metastatic disease,” said Julia Perkins Smith, MD, Vice President, Oncology Medical, North America, Pfizer. “Through this initiative with Susan G. Komen, we hope to drive greater focus on metastatic breast cancer patient education across the country – creating opportunities for people with MBC to come together, share experiences, and learn about the latest information in this area.”
Beginning April 4 through May 31, 2018, all Komen Affiliates will have the opportunity to submit program applications to Pfizer, with recipients being announced by July 31, 2018. Funding decisions will be made by a review committee led by Komen’s national headquarters.
Thanks to survivors, volunteers and activists dedicated to the fight against breast cancer, the Komen Affiliate Network is the nation's largest private funder of community-based breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs. To date, Komen and its Affiliates have invested more than $180 million in metastatic breast cancer research and $2.1 billion into community programs. For a complete list of Komen’s Affiliate Network, visit https://ww5.komen.org/Affiliates.aspx.
About Susan G. Komen
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. Komen has set a Bold Goal to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the U.S. by 2026. Since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded more than $956 million in research and provided more than $2.1 billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide. 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. That promise has become Komen's promise to all people facing breast cancer. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at ww5.komen.org/social.
