Purpose in Action: Susan G. Komen's 2025 Impact Report on Progress and Urgent Needs in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S. and is the most common cancer among women worldwide. What's more, it's estimated that more than 168,000 people in the U.S. are living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), also known as stage 4, the most advanced and incurable stage of breast cancer. This year alone, nearly 43,000 people in the U.S. are expected to die from breast cancer — with MBC responsible for most of these deaths.
Komen's impact report highlights the critical progress made in the fight against breast cancer made possible by the passionate dedication of its donors, volunteers and partners — and the hope for a brighter future driven by its nationwide community. Komen believes that to save lives, the community must focus on conquering aggressive and metastatic breast cancers and eliminating barriers to care to achieve health equity.
To achieve the organization's goals, to date, Komen has invested nearly $2.5 billion in advocacy, community programs, education and patient support services, ensuring people are educated about the complexities of risk, screening, diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer and have access to the care they need. Komen has also invested nearly $1.1 billion in research making it the largest nonprofit contributor to the cause, second only to the U.S. government. This investment has led to new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose and treat breast cancer.
'Susan G. Komen's impact is woven into nearly every major breakthrough and patient-centered policy in the history of breast cancer, but we could never have come this far without the support of our community,' said Paula Schneider, Komen president and CEO. 'Our donors, volunteers, partners and fundraisers are the heart of our history and frankly, our future. Many come to Komen because they've been personally touched by this disease — and, as a breast cancer survivor, myself included. There is power in pain and hope alike, and the progress we've made is a testament to those who've turned their experience and grief into action.'
Key Highlights from Komen's 2025 impact report include:
Public Policy and Advocacy
In 2024, Komen's Center for Public Policy introduced 41 bills in 34 states, with 16 signed into law, and played a key role in securing $329 million in federal and state funding for safety net screening programs through Komen's Center for Public Policy.
Komen helped secure $47 billion in federal research funding, with 21 states introducing legislation focused on eliminating cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental imaging and 8 states introducing legislation on eliminating step therapy requirements for MBC patients. More than 900 meetings were held with policymakers and staff.
Research
Over the past 30 years, Komen research funding has contributed to 20 new breast cancer-fighting drugs.
Last year, Komen's investment added 26 new products to the research pipeline and engaged 1,093 participants in Komen-led research efforts like ShareForCures ®.
Patient Care
Last year, 42,895 direct patient services were provided to 35,904 people in need, along with $7.5 million in financial assistance granted to 17,087 people.
Since 2021 when our Patient Care Center was established, nearly 144,000 people have received services, including over $31.9 million in financial assistance provided.
Education
Over 2.9 million people were reached through Komen's educational programs in the last year, including through our extensive About Breast Cancer web resource and over 180 education events such as the virtual Breast Cancer Breakthroughs sessions
After attending one of Komen's educational programs, 90% of survey respondents indicated they had an improved understanding of breast cancer and 61% of survey respondents indicated they will take action to improve their breast health.
Health Equity
The second virtual Komen Health Equity Revolution Summit galvanized 400+ attendees for impactful discussions and solutions with public health and patient advocacy leaders from American Society of Clinical Oncology, ZERO Prostate Cancer, LGBT Cancer Network and more.
Komen Ambassadors including Emmy-winning journalist and breast cancer survivor Gaby Natale, the first Latina to win three consecutive Emmys and Miss Black USA Kennedy Lucas, a young advocate, were activated to amplify diverse breast cancer voices and inspire action through digital storytelling.
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Komen expanded its impact on the MBC community through its MBC Impact Series and Komen's new Inside MBC video, amplifying the lived emotional experience of an MBC diagnosis and reaching thousands of people with lifesaving and life-affirming information.
With proposed federal budget cuts for Fiscal Year 2026 threatening to erode decades of progress in the fight against breast cancer, continued funding especially for early detection programs, safety net care services and research has never been more critical. If these cuts proceed, Susan G. Komen will continue to stand as the leading breast cancer organization in the nation — but without sustained government support, lifesaving breakthroughs may be delayed, early detection efforts will be reduced, and patients will be left behind with poor outcomes to follow.
As Komen continues to lead the charge against breast cancer, the 2025 Impact Report serves as both a reflection of what's been achieved and a call to action for what still needs to be accomplished. Every advancement — whether in research, patient care, education or policy — is fueled by the commitment of those who stand with Komen.
'With continued support, we can build on these incredible milestones to ensure everyone affected by this disease has access to the high-quality care, resources and support they need to survive and thrive after breast cancer,' added Schneider. 'The fight is far from over — but together, we will finish it.'
Read the full report online.
About Susan G. Komen ®
Susan G. Komen ® is the world's leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy's life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow's cures. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.
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