The pink ribbon is the symbol of breast cancer awareness.
As public awareness about breast cancer has increased over the years, so have the number of charities devoted to the disease. Breast cancer charities raise more than $1 billion each year. Charity Navigator, a group that rates charities, analyzes the fiscal health of the 20 largest breast cancer charities in America. Of those charities, nine scored the highest rating for efficiency. The top nine charities spent the greatest percentage of their budgets on the programs and services that they provide. The charities raise money for a variety of breast cancer-related issues, from research to support groups. While most charities finance at least some research and educational programs, each charity has a specific focus for its programs.
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Dana Farber is the only top breast cancer charity that is a research hospital. The institute provides cutting edge medical care to patients with all types of cancer. The institute also conducts research to develop new therapies and to search for a cure for cancer, by studying the disease at the cellular level. A total 87.5 percent of Dana Farber's budget funds hospital and research programs, according to Charity Navigator.
Research Charities
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure charity finances research and awareness programs through grants, donations and affiliate programs. In addition to research, it finances programs to support patients and survivors and to assist patients in accessing quality care. It is most famous for its fundraising walks and marathons. In all, 86.4 percent of the budget goes towards programs, according to Charity Navigator. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation finances research. It provides some educational and outreach programs, but its primary concern is funding research to prevent and cure cancer. In all, 91.8 percent of the budget goes to these programs, according Charity Navigator.
Services For Underprivileged Women
The Rose is a Houston-based charity that provides funding for screening, diagnosis and treatment for women who are uninsured or cannot pay. A total of 88.3 percent of the budget goes to programs, according to its website. The National Breast Cancer Foundation provides free mammograms to women who are uninsured or cannot afford to pay. In all, 79.5 percent of the budget goes to programs, Charity Navigator indicates.
Lobbyists
The National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund is a grassroots lobby group. It lobbies all levels of government to enact public policy that benefits breast cancer patients and survivors. It promotes legislation that will improve diagnosis, treatment and research. One of their main goals is to get increased federal funds for breast cancer research. In all, 84.5 percent of the budget goes to programs, according to Charity Navigator.
Support For Patients and Survivors
Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a Pennsylvania-based charity that offers support and education for patients, survivors and friends and family. It educates patients about treatment options. In all, 82.4 percent of the budget goes to programs, Charity Navigator indicates, according to its website. Young Survival Coalition is an international group that offers support and education for women under 35 who have breast cancer. It also also promotes research that focuses on younger breast cancer patients. A total of 71 percent of the budget goes to programs, its website indicates. Breast Cancer Connections is a community center in California. It provides information and support to cancer patients and survivors. In all, 77.9 percent of the budget goes to programs, according to Charity Navigator.
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