National Spotlight

Research Programs

Did you know that every major advance in the fight against breast cancer has been touched by Susan G. Komen for the Cure®? That we've provided more money for breast cancer research and community health programs than any entity besides the U.S. government? Komen for the Cure's goal is to "energize science to find the cures."

Komen’s commitment to supporting life-saving research has never been stronger. Building on 27 years of funding research to find the causes and cures of breast cancer, Komen continues its important new focus on research that will speed the translation of discoveries into reductions in breast cancer mortality and/or incidence within the next decade and on addressing disparities in breast cancer across populations.

A minimum of 25 percent of the net income from each domestic Affiliate supports the Komen for the Cure Grant Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research, meritorious awards and educational and scientific conferences around the world.

Information about National Research Programs

Our research focus has evolved over these years. In the beginning, we focused on understanding the basic biology of breast cancer and the factors that make these cancer cells divide without their normal control. Our contributions to understanding the biology of breast cancer have helped established the foundation on which new treatments, more effective early detection, and strategies for reducing risk and ultimately preventing breast cancer are being developed. In the early years, nearly two thirds of our funded research focused on basic biology, while today nearly half of our funding addresses the translation of this knowledge into treatment, early detection and prevention. Click here to read more about Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Research & Grants.

Our Research Programs play a critical role in energizing science to find the cures by funding research that will speed the translation of discoveries into reductions in breast cancer mortality and/or incidence within the next decade and by training investigators at critical stages of their career to ensure sustained discovery.  To view the 2012 Research Programs funded by Komen national click here

National Research Programs in Minnesota

Since 1998, Komen has invested in a total of 50 research grants in Minnesota, totaling more than $15 million in research funding. There are currently 20 active research grants in Minnesota, totaling $8,315,732.  Learn more by clicking on the following: Minnesota- Research Funding Over Time and Minnesota- Institutions Receiving Research Funding.