For more than 25 years, the women and men of Susan G. Komen for the Cure have pioneered the breast cancer movement. Today, we make up the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network of survivors and activists, working together to end breast cancer forever.

While we’re known for our support of breast cancer research and community programs, sound public policy is an equally worthy goal.

Through Komen Champions for the Cure(TM), we use the power of activism to achieve important legislative objectives at federal, state and local levels. We work to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with decision-makers and community leaders, encouraging their active engagement in the breast cancer movement.

We’re on a mission. Join us.

Our history as a grassroots movement demonstrates the collective power of individuals to bring about change. Add your voice to those of more than 100,000 other Komen Champions by joining our virtual advocacy forum at www.ActNowEndBreastCancer.org.

Together, we can shake the halls of power and speed our journey to a world without breast cancer.

What is Komen Champions for the Cure™?

As part of the Komen for the Cure’s advocacy efforts, we established Komen Champions for the Cure™, a structured grassroots program designed to educate Congress, the President and other policy-makers about breast cancer through community involvement.
Launched in the spring of 2002, Komen Champions for the Cure™ was inspired by the more than 100,000 Komen volunteers who work in local communities and with their state health departments.

The Issues

This year, the efforts of Komen Champions for the Cure™ are focused on:

Breast Cancer Research Susan G. Komen for the Cure urges Members of the 110th Congress to make cancer research and its application a priority during the appropriations process. Specifically, Komen for the Cure supports research that will help reduce health disparities for minorities and underserved populations, as well as research on the potential links between the environment and breast cancer.

Early Detection While there is no known way to prevent breast cancer, helping women access early detection through low-cost, quality mammography is essential to surviving the disease.

Access to Quality Care Susan G. Komen for the Cure is working with policymakers to ensure patient access to quality care for all patients, not just those who can afford it. Komen for the Cure is supporting a number of policy initiatives in this area, including patient access to state-of-the-art cancer treatments for Medicare beneficiaries and support for nurse education.

What You Can Do

Stay Informed: Visit ActNowEndBreastCancer.org to become an eChampion and stay updated about important breast cancer issues.

Take Action: As an eChampion, you can send a letter to your Members of Congress.

Tell a Friend: Spread the word to your friends and family about how they can make a difference too!

Volunteer: Call the Komen NC Triangle Affiliate office or register online to get more involved at a local level.

What We’re Doing in North Carolina

Funding for BCCCP: This year, the NC Triangle Affiliate joined forces with other Komen North Carolina Affiliates and the American Cancer Society to support a line item in the state budget that will pay for an additional 6,000 mammograms for uninsured and under-insured women. The state budget now includes $4.2 million over two years to support the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program which administers federal (and now state) funds to support screening through community service providers.

Komen Community Challenge: As part of a national effort to draw attention to breast health issues, the NC Triangle Affiliate hosted a series of events in October, including a reception at the Governor’s Mansion and a press conference with Governor Easley. See our photo gallery for pictures!