World Breast Cancer Research Day, August 18, is a global recognition of the life changing research (past, present, and future) to end breast cancer — once and for all.
About World Breast Cancer Research Day
World Breast Cancer Research Day , established in 2021 by the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, is an opportunity for us to amplify the importance of finding a cure for breast cancer. The world does a fantastic job of showcasing breast cancer advocacy and research during the month of October, but this day is an attempt to show the breast cancer community that they are supported beyond that single month.
Although both women and men can have breast cancer and we are committed to finding a cure for everyone who is impacted by the disease regardless of gender, the 18th day of the 8th month of the year is indicative of the 1 in 8 women (and 1 in 833 men) who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes.
Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation
Breast cancer advocacy and research is highlighted significantly in the month of October, but the fight against the disease needs to continue throughout the rest of the year. The Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation recognized the need to highlight breast cancer — specifically the research that is being done to combat the disease — outside the month of October. Dr. Susan Love, considered one of the “founding mothers” of breast cancer research established herself as a surgeon in Los Angeles, becoming a trailblazer and a beacon in the work to end breast cancer. In 1990 she published Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book, widely regarded as the bible for women with breast cancer.
Tower Cancer Research Foundation
In January of 2024, Tower Cancer Research Foundation extended its mission by establishing the Dr. Susan Love Fund for Breast Cancer Research. Tower Cancer Research Foundation funds high impact cancer research and supports a range of survivorship programs. As Tower gains the assets of the Dr. Susan Love Foundation, the focus remains, with additional resources and reach to carry on their vital work and integrate the work of Dr. Susan Love and her foundation.
Susan G. Komen Foundation
The Susan G. Komen Foundation is a large non-profit that invests heavily in breast cancer research, education, screening, and treatment. Nancy Brinker established the foundation in 1982 after her sister, Susan G. Komen, died from breast cancer that same year at the age of 36. Their mission is to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. This organization is a major force in breast cancer research funding and support, with numerous researchers and advisors contributing to their efforts.
Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)
A major funder of breast cancer research with a focus on scientific breakthroughs and supporting researchers. BCRF invests in research that’s changing how we think about cancer. That means more answers, faster breakthroughs, and personalized treatment for every patient. With more than a billion dollars raised to fuel theirmission, that’s progress. Their investigators work on various aspects of the disease, including genetic mutations and immunotherapy. This year, BCRF is the largest private funder of breast cancer research—and the largest private funder of metastatic research—in the U.S.
This is not an exhaustive list, but it highlights some of the key organizations making significant strides in the field of breast cancer research.
The hope is that that World Breast Cancer Research Day will be a pivotal day in history that will allow us to achieve a breast cancer-free world.
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