The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is an independent 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by providing critical funding for innovative clinical and translational research at leading medical centers worldwide, and increasing public awareness about good breast health.
It is estimated by the American Cancer Society that in 2009 about 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States. At this time there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
In 2009, ACS estimates that about 40,170 women will die from breast cancer in the United States. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer.
In men, 1,910 new cases are projected in 2009, with 440 deaths.
Since its inception, the Foundation has raised over $250 million to support clinical and translational research at medical institutions across the globe conducting the most advanced and promising breast cancer research that will help lead to prevention and a cure in our lifetime. BCRF support for promising yet untried ideas is a crucial component of this research.
New grants are announced in October each year. On October 28th, 2009, BCRF announces grants of nearly $29 million to 171 scientists from top universities and academic medical centers across the globe.
BCRF has received exceptional recognition from several organizations that monitor and provide comprehensive, unbiased information on charities. Most notably: in 2009, the Foundation has received the highest rating from Charity Navigator, four stars, for the eighth consecutive year, which means BCRF has outperformed 99.8% of more than 5,400 evaluated charities in efficiently managing its finances! In addition, the American Institute of Philanthropy has re-evaluated BCRF's "A" rating since 2002, and awarded BCRF an "A+" rating. This is the highest possible rating by AIP. BCRF is recognized by AIP as one of the "Top Rated" cancer organizations, and is the only breast cancer organization to appear on its "Top Rated Charities".
The Foundation welcomes and depends on contributions from all those concerned with women's health. Working together, we know we can find a cure in our lifetime.
