Cancer Charities Creating Great Impact
Note: This list includes 10 of the best cancer charities doing great work in cancer research, treatment, education and more. This is not to say that there aren't other good cancer charities out there. All non-profit organizations strive for a better world. This list just gives you an idea of what some of the VIPs are doing to bring relief from this deadly disease and how you can be a part of their mission.
1. Susan G. Commen for medicine
The most important cancer charities
Mission: Save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in advanced research to prevent and treat breast cancer.
Charity Navigator Score: 82.32% (77.4% of their spending goes to their software)
Breast cancer is the most dangerous type of cancer that has affected women for generations. The Susan G. Komen Organization was created in honor of Susan J. Today, it is one of the largest non-profit organizations in the world.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure has invested more than $2.9 billion in breast cancer research and programs. The organization helped reduce breast cancer deaths by 40 percent from 1989 to 2016.
Susan G. Komen currently provides resources and support groups for people with cancer and their family members. They also offer some financial and health insurance options for those undergoing treatment.
Most of the funds awarded to Susan G. Komen go for research grants. These grants are part of their goal to prioritize metastatic cancer research and support emerging leaders. They also provide paid internship opportunities for researchers interested in studying disparities in breast cancer outcomes due to race and income.
How you can help:
Donors can donate or fundraise for the Susan G. Komen organization. Since research and advocacy are important parts of this organization, they are always looking for people to take surveys and advocate for the organization. Those who have been treated for breast cancer can participate in their surveys about life after cancer. Those interested in science or government can also find a role in this organization's advocacy campaigns.
2. American Cancer Society
The most important cancer charities
Mission: To save and celebrate lives and lead the fight for a world without cancer.
Charity Navigator Score: 81.57% (75.4% of their spending goes to their software)
The American Cancer Society has been around since 1942. The American Cancer Society educates the public about various cancer diagnoses and provides resources for cancer patients and their families.
Cancer patients receive support through individual support groups. They also provide free accommodation and transportation for those traveling out of state for treatment.
The American Cancer Society also conducts and funds research that has made a difference in the lives of millions of people. The organization looks at disparities in care across racial and income groups and tracks patterns and successes in cancer treatment. It also offers grants for scientists and health care providers. This is when the research is approved through careful peer review.
How you can help:
The American Cancer Society runs the Relay for Life fundraiser, which raises more than $400 million each year. This event allows donors to raise funds for the organization through their own fundraising efforts and peer campaigns.
3. Cancer Research Institute
The most important cancer charities
Mission: Save more lives by supporting the discovery and development of powerful immunotherapies for all types of cancer.
Charity Navigator Rating: 93.60% (85.6% of their spending goes to their software)
Cancer immunotherapy is not a term most people are familiar with, but the Cancer Research Institute has focused all of its efforts on funding immunotherapy to support cancer patients. Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses the body's immune system to prevent and fight cancer. The organization acknowledges that this treatment won't work for everyone, but they've found enough success to keep it going.
The Cancer Research Institute was started in 1953. Its founder, Helen Cole Knotts, became involved in immunotherapy after the death of her father, a renowned cancer surgeon. His research has shown years of success in providing non-surgical treatment to cancer patients.
Today, the Institute for Cancer Research offers grants to advance the racial diversity of researchers, test immunotherapies and advance technology.
How you can help:
The Cancer Research Institute is currently running the 21 Challenge where supporters make a personal commitment to change their lives.