History

Susan G. Komen fought breast cancer with her heart, body and soul. Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital, she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own situation. Moved by Susan’s compassion for others and commitment to making a difference, Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer.

In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Susan G. Komen is the boldest community fueling the best science and making the biggest impact in the fight against breast cancer. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, we have invested more than $2 billion to fulfill our promise, working to end breast cancer in the U.S. and throughout the world through ground-breaking research, community health outreach, advocacy and programs in more than 50 countries.

Across the country, that promise is upheld by a network of 125 Affiliate offices. At the heart of each Affiliate is a person or group of people who, like Susan, wanted to make a difference.

Southern Nevada Affiliate story

The Southern Nevada Affiliate was established in the Fall of 1996, following the First Annual Komen Southern Nevada Race for the Cure with 1,359 participants. Today, this event has grown to nearly 20,000 participants and raises close to $1 million on the first Saturday of May each year. Thanks to events like the Race for the Cure and generous contributions from our partners, sponsors and fellow supporters, the Affiliate has invested more than $6 million in breast health and breast cancer projects in Clark, Nye, Lincoln, Esmeralda, White Pine, and Mineral counties during the past 16 years.

Breast Cancer Then and Now – We Make an Impact

Since 1982, Komen has played a critical role in every major advance in the fight against breast cancer – transforming how the world talks about and treats this disease and helping to turn millions of breast cancer patients into breast cancer survivors. We are proud of our contribution to some real victories:

• More early detection and effective treatment– Currently, about 70 percent of women 40 and older receive regular mammograms, the single most effective screening tool to find breast cancer early.  Since 1990, early detection and effective treatment have resulted in a 33 percent decline in breast cancer mortality in the U.S.  
• More hope – In 1980, the 5-year relative survival rate for women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer (cancer confined to the breast) was about 74 percent. Today, that number is 99 percent. 
• More research – The federal government now devotes more than $850 million each year to breast cancer research, treatment and prevention (compared to $30 million in 1982).  
• More survivors – Currently, there are about 3 million breast cancers survivors, the largest group of cancer survivors in the U.S.