Susan G. Komen for the Cure® will be launching the Israel Breast Cancer Collaborative with activities in Israel this October. This initiative is a continuation of the organization’s plan of action to work globally to discover and deliver the cures for breast cancer. The organization combines support for scientific research with funding for education, screening and treatment programs on a global scale.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure has invested nearly $1.5 billion in research, education, screening, treatment and awareness programs geared to low income communities where the need for outreach and education are greater. They have cooperated with more than 50 government and non-governmental organizations on five continents in order to develop solutions and strategies for dealing with the global breast cancer crisis.

The signature program for both raising awareness and fundraising are the Races developed by the organization. The Komen Race for the Cure Series currently takes place in 141 cities around the world.

In October, Jerusalem will host the first Komen Race ever to be held in Israel; participants will include leading public figures involved in raising awareness and education about the importance of early detection of breast cancer.

In Israel [alone] breast cancer constitutes nearly 30 percent of all cancer cases and is the number one reason for death among women. In the last 25 years the frequency of diagnosis with breast cancer has gradually risen with over 4,000 new cases diagnosed every year and up until recently, hitting women at a younger age than ever. Hadassah’s researchers have only recently been able to identify an apparent halt in the rise due to prevention measures and development of advanced techniques of treating breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization has contributed over $2 million in Israel in the last 16 years to support varying breast cancer research projects as well as women’s outreach programs.

The Municipality of Jerusalem and the Hadassah World Zionist Organization are partnering with Susan G. Komen for the Cure in the coming year’s projects.

The Israel Initiative during the week of October 25 – 29 includes the following:

• A scientific Think Tank in conjunction with the Weizmann Institute focusing on genetic research regarding the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
• The October 28th inaugural Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® in Jerusalem – “The Victory March – Lets Go For It”.