Giving Compass' Take:

•  Here are a couple of ways that donors can help fund breast cancer research or organizations that are spurring innovation in cancer treatments.

• How can donors help spread awareness about breast cancer issues and identify opportunities to support research?

• Read more about breast cancer research and how donors can make an impact.

With October’s arrival, the display of the pink ribbon brings breast cancer awareness month top of mind. The purpose of this month is to not only remind women to take control of their health and get their mammograms, but to also educate new generations of women on what breast health is and the importance of early detection.

In 1965, philanthropist and cancer advocate Mary Lasker wrote a letter to pioneering cancer
researcher Sidney Farber. Encouraged by recent breakthroughs in cancer treatment, she wrote, “The iron is hot and this is the time to pound without cessation.” These words echo today, especially to those working to end the suffering of patients and families facing breast cancer.

That’s why the future of breast cancer must be rooted in drastically decreasing the mortality rate in the coming decades through scientific innovation, improved early detection methods, and more targeted therapy options for patients.

As a donor, here are a few ways to join in the fight and choose a breast cancer charity that is going to steward your funds to the programs you care about:

  • Get to know more about each charity – look at their websites and understand what differentiates them from other organizations.
  • Try donating a small amount and see how they handle your donation. Do they tell you the impact of your support? Do they continue to share stories of what your funds are helping to accomplish? Or do you never hear from them again? The thoughtfulness shown to you as a donor can translate to the way they handle their programs.
  • Check out the organization you are interested in on Charity Navigator, whose mission is to summarize the financial impact as well as the accountability and transparency measures in how charities conduct their business against best practices and standards

Read the full article about funding breast cancer research by Douglas Feil at Charity Navigator.