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What We Do

The Need

An estimated 25 million women around the world will be diagnosed with breast cancer over the next 25 years, and up to 10 million could die without a cure. 

Although breast cancer is a global disease, reaction and approach to its diagnosis and treatment vary greatly by a country’s cultural norms and economic means.  Given that no single approach to breast health will prove effective around the world, local communities must implement innovative programs customized to address local needs.

Our Response

To address this challenge, the Institute of International Education (IIE) – West Coast Center designed and implements the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Global Initiative for Breast Cancer Awareness.  The Initiative brings together Komen for the Cure’s breast health expertise and leadership, IIE’s experience in international training and capacity-building, and the knowledge and expertise of local partners across Latin America, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africa.  Together, these groups have been taking the fight against breast cancer to a new level since the program’s inception in 2007.

By 2010, the Global Initiative for Breast Cancer Awareness had an impact in 37 communities in 10 countries, involving 350 organizations and over 800 individual participants worldwide.

IIE launched the Global Initiative in Brazil, Costa Rica, Jordan, Mexico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates, expanding to Panama in autumn 2008 and Egypt in summer 2009.

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