The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) is an independent, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk. Cancers originating from ducts are known as ductal carcinomas; those originating from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas...

 in our lifetime by providing critical funding for innovative clinical and translational research at leading medical centers worldwide, an increasing public awareness about good breast health.

BCRF was founded in 1993 by Evelyn Lauder

Evelyn Lauder

Evelyn Lauder was an American socialite and philanthropist who has been credited as one of the creators and popularizers of the pink ribbon as a symbol for awareness of breast cancer....

, Senior Corporate Vice President of The Estee Lauder Companies

Estée Lauder Companies

Estée Lauder Companies, Inc. is a manufacturer and marketer of prestige skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The company has its headquarters in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.-History:...

. Lauder's first foray into breast cancer awareness

Breast cancer awareness

Breast cancer awareness is an effort to raise awareness of breast cancer and reduce the disease's stigma by educating people about its symptoms and treatment options...

 was through an initiative by herself and Alexandra Penney

Alexandra Penney

Alexandra Penney is an American author best known for her 1982 best-selling book How to Make Love to a Man who was also an editor at Self magazine and has been credited as one of the creators and popularizers of the pink ribbon as a symbol for awareness of breast cancer.Penney attended Smith...

, former editor of SELF magazine

Self (magazine)

Self magazine is an American magazine for women that specializes in health, fitness, nutrition, beauty and happiness. Published by Condé Nast Publications 12 times a year, it has a circulation of 1,486,992 and a total audience of 5,541,000 readers, according to its corporate media kit. The...

, to make the pink ribbon

Pink ribbon

The pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness. Pink ribbons, and the color pink in general, identify the wearer or promoter with the breast cancer brand and express moral support for women with breast cancer....

 an international symbol of breast cancer awareness.

Since its inception, BCRF has raised USD $350 million to support clinical and translational research at medical institutions across the globe. BCRF currently funds 186 scientists across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia.

Funding and spending

Currently, BCRF directs more than 90 cents of every dollar raised to breast cancer research and awareness programs.

BCRF has received exceptional recognition from several organizations that monitor and provide comprehensive, unbiased information on charities. CharityWatch, formerly the American Institute of Philanthropy, continues to award BCRF an "A+" rating. This is the highest possible rating by AIP. BCRF is recognized by CharityWatch as one of the "Top Rated" cancer organizations, and is the only breast cancer organization to appear on its "Top Rated Charities."

External links

• The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (official website)