There are hundreds of charity breast cancer organizations in the United States. These charities range from small, local organizations that provide services to a particular group or community to large national and international organizations with multi-million dollar budgets. These charities provide one or more services such as research into a cure for breast cancer; education and public awareness; medical care and screening examinations; support groups; and community outreach. No matter what the size, budget, or purpose of these charities, they all have one thing in common: They strive to alleviate the devastating effects of breast cancer on the lives of women and men.
The work of charity breast cancer organizations is vital because, according to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 212,290 women and 1,720 in men in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2006; and approximately 40,970 women and 460 men will die from the disease. Currently, the chances of a woman developing invasive breast cancer (cancer that spreads beyond the layer of cells where it started to other parts of the breast or body) within her lifetime are 1 in 8.
The number of lives that this deadly disease effects is far more than 214,010 because it touches the lives of its victims' spouses, children, relatives, friends, and associates in many negative and painful ways. It also effects generations and generations of women because a family history of breast cancer is a risk factor for developing the disease. Therefore, breast cancer organizations must continue their valuable work to eradicate this disease, but they cannot accomplish this goal without money. Whereas many charity breast cancer organizations are efficient, effective, and fiscally responsible, others are not.
Thanks to Charity Navigator donors might have an easier time deciding which breast cancer organization to support. Charity Navigator's mission is to help donors make intelligent giving choices by providing information about and evaluating the financial health of over five thousand charitable organizations. Listed below is Charity Navigator's evaluation of two large charity breast cancer organizations.
1. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation raises millions of dollars to support breast cancer research globally
Established in 1992, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation's mission is to "achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by providing critical funding for innovative clinical and genetic research at leading medical centers worldwide, and increasing public awareness about good breast health." Since its inception, the foundation has raised over $135 million to support breast cancer research internationally.
Charity Navigator gives the Foundation a four-star (exceptional) rating - meaning the charity exceeds industry standards for fiscal responsibility and outperforms most organizations within its charitable category.
2. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation achieves fundraising success through breast cancer charity walk events
Established in 1982, The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation works through a network of national and international affiliates "to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by funding research grants and supporting education, screening and treatment projects in communities around the world."
The Foundation has been effective in using breast cancer charity walk events including the Komen Race for the Cure and the Breast Cancer 3-Day to raise money for their programs and services.
Charity Navigator gives the Foundation a three-star (good) rating - meaning it meets or exceeds industry standards for fiscal responsibility and performs as well as or better than most organizations within its charitable category.
Charity breast cancer organizations save lives, but they need contributions from concerned citizens. When looking for a cause to support, charity breast cancer organizations are worth consideration. Charity Navigator is one resource that can make the choice easier.