Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Organization Praises Congressional Action That Preserves Cancer Research Dollars

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Susan G. Komen breast cancer organization today praised Senate
leaders for swift action to preserve federal funding of biomedical
research – including breast cancer research – conducted through the
Department of Defense (DOD).

The bipartisan amendment, led by Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill) and Sen.
Thad Cochran (R-Miss), passed the Senate on a 66-32 vote on June 7. Its
passage blocked an effort that would have prohibited biomedical research
funding at the DOD unless the research met narrowly defined criteria
related to military relevance. This included funding for the DOD’s
Breast Cancer Research Program.

“Passage of this amendment today ensures that critical, innovative
cancer research will continue,” said Dr. Judy Salerno, president and CEO
of Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest breast cancer organization. “We
are extremely grateful to Senators Durbin and Cochran, and to those
senators who voted for its passage. Investment in biomedical research
must remain an unwavering national priority if we hope to continue the
progress we are making to find the cures.”

Since its inception in 1992, the Breast Cancer Research Program at the
DOD has awarded more than $3.2 billion to more than 6,500 research
grants aimed at identifying how and why breast cancer develops, factors
that increase risk, and more advanced ways to detect and treat the
disease.

About Susan G. Komen®

Susan G. Komen is world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding
more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing
real-time help to those facing the disease. Since its founding in 1982,
Komen has funded more than $889 million in research and provided $1.95
billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial
support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries
worldwide. Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her
sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed
Suzy’s life. Visit komen.org
or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at ww5.komen.org/social.

Contacts

Susan G. Komen®
Andrea Rader, 972-855-4320
press@komen.org