Breast Cancer Continues to Impact Communities; Atlanta Rallies Together to Take Action at Susan G. Komen® 2026 Race for the Cure

Annual Event Unites Survivors, Those Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer, Families and Supporters to Raise Critical Funds, Provide Essential Resources and Accelerate Progress Against Breast Cancer

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Susan G. Komen®, the world's leading breast cancer organization, today announced it will host the Greater Atlanta Race for the Cure bringing together survivors, those living with metastatic breast cancer, families and supporters for a day of purpose and action. The event, taking place on October 17, 2026, will raise critical funds to accelerate lifesaving research, expand patient support services, support critical public policy efforts and help ensure every person facing breast cancer has access to the high-quality care they need.

Breast cancer continues to impact communities across the country. About every two minutes, someone in the U.S. hears the words, “You have breast cancer,” and nearly every 12 minutes, someone in the U.S. loses their life to the disease. Diagnoses among women under 50 are also increasing, underscoring the urgent need for continued action. While tremendous progress has been made in improving breast cancer outcomes, too many people still face delayed diagnoses, unequal access to high-quality care and barriers that can impact their ability to receive timely, lifesaving treatment. For some, today's treatments won't be enough, making continued research essential to discover the next lifesaving breakthrough. In 2026, an estimated 10,440 people in Georgia will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 1,430 will lose their lives to the disease.

This year, Komen aims to raise $815,000 at the 2026 Greater Atlanta Race for the Cure. Funds raised through Greater Atlanta Race for the Cure help address both the immediate and long-term needs of the breast cancer community by supporting patient care, groundbreaking research, essential education and advocacy efforts that improve outcomes and expand access to high-quality care.

In FY 2026, more than 5 million people turned to Komen’s breast health and breast cancer information to make informed decisions about their health care. During the same period, Komen’s Patient Care Center provided 1,023 patient navigation services to 672 individuals across Georgia, helping patients overcome financial, logistical, and systemic barriers that can delay or disrupt access to care. Through Komen’s Financial Assistance Program, 735 people in Georgia undergoing breast cancer treatment or living with metastatic breast cancer received $365,000 in direct financial support to help address critical needs.

Beyond direct assistance, Komen’s patient navigators helped thousands of patients access vital resources — responding to more than 9,000 financial assistance inquiries last year and securing nearly $3 million from 230 external sources to support transportation, housing, food, medical expenses, and other essential needs.

As part of Komen’s commitment to empowering people with the knowledge and resources they need to take action, Komen is also encouraging Breast Honesty™— promoting open conversations about breast health, helping people understand their personal risk, prioritizing screening and getting accurate, evidenced-based information to help make informed health care decisions.

"Every person diagnosed with breast cancer deserves the opportunity to receive the care, support and resources they need, regardless of where they live or the barriers they face," said Michele Howell, Georgia Executive Director. "The Georgia Race for the Cure shows the power of community."

Event Details
What: Greater Atlanta Race for the Cure
When: October 17^th, 2026, at 7:00 am
Where: Lenox Square, Atlanta
Registration: www.komen.org/atlantarace
The Greater Atlanta Race for the Cure is made possible, in part, through the generosity of our local sponsors: Northside Hospital, Piedmont Healthcare, Genuine Parts Company

Every registration, donation and act of support helps fund innovative research, provide vital patient services and advocate for systems and policies that improve outcomes for the breast cancer community.

Bank of America is the national presenting sponsor, Natera is the national premier sponsor and Daiichi Sankyo, Guardant Health, Lilly and Novartis are national series sponsors for the MORE THAN PINK Walk and Race for the Cure events.

About Susan G. Komen^®

Susan G. Komen^® is the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working toward a future where no one dies from breast cancer. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow’s cures. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.