What is breast Cancer?
The term breast cancer refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. The breast is composed of two main types of tissues: glandular tissues and stromal (supporting) tissues. Glandular tissues house the milk-producing glands (lobules) and the ducts (the milk passages) while stromal tissues include fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast. The breast is also made up of lymphatic tissue-immune system tissue that removes cellular fluids and waste.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation's mission is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in lifetime by providing critical funding for innovative clinical and translational research at leading medical centers worldwide, and increasing public awareness about good breast health. A minimum of 85 cents of every dollar goes to research and awareness programs.
In 1993-1994, their first year, they awarded a total of $159,000 to eight researchers all located in the US. In order to cause an impact, their goal as a Foundation was to fund researchers around the world, and this dream became true in 2001. This year, they expect to award approximately $35 million to more than 150 of the world's leading researchers.
Their goal is to be able to offer better outcomes to women with breast cancer, and to prevent healthy women from developing it, no matter where they live. Some of the major donors for this generous contributions to the Foundation are: Estee Lauder, Polaroid, Macy's, Clinique, Sony Electronics, The ASCO Cancer Foundation, American Express and many more. In total, BCRF (Breast Cancer Research Foundation) has raised more than $215 million to date.
