Featured Charity: Prevent Cancer Foundation

How can you prevent cancer before it starts? Read on…

When the Prevent Cancer Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, was started in 1985, the concept of cancer prevention and early detection was not widely embraced by the medical community or the general public.  Today, cancer prevention and early detection is at the forefront of reducing cancer diagnosis and death.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation is the only U.S. nonprofit organization solely devoted to saving lives through cancer prevention and early detection, and has invested $130 million in research, education, advocacy and community outreach programs to accomplish this mission.

The Foundation believes in:

• Reducing the cancer mortality rate by focusing on individual behaviors, public policy and discussion, and research on prevention and early detection
• Addressing all preventable cancers across all populations 
• Making prevention knowledge and early detection services more accessible for people in medically underserved communities
• Collaborating with partners to maximize the effectiveness and reach of the prevention and early detection programs and message 

Why Our Work is Important

Early detection and prevention strategies are more important than ever.  Not only is prevention the most effective way to reduce cancer incidence and death, but it is also the most cost effective way to manage health care costs.

This year, more than 1,600,000 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer and more than 577,000 will die from the disease.  However, up to 60 percent of cancer deaths are preventable – with the knowledge we have right now.

As the cost of health care continues to be a looming issue, the high and unsustainable cost of cancer treatment is especially significant.  The implications of this issue are staggering, as cancer costs are projected to reach $158 billion by the year 2020.

What We Wish More People Knew About Us

A leading voice, heavily involved in coalition efforts, The Foundation engages lawmakers through education and advocacy to promote enactment of laws that support cancer research and prevention. 

We work individually as as part of an entire community of grassroots advocates and other health advocacy organizations to maximize our impact – advocating for policies and legislation that advance cancer research and prevention and supports the needs of cancer patients and their families.

Ways to Support Us

There are many ways to make a contribution towards cancer prevention research, education and outreach:

• Donate
• Volunteer: Special events are important fundraising activities for The Foundation, and we’re always looking for dedicated, energetic volunteers to make our events – like our Prevent Cancer Foundation 5k on September 29th – successful.
• Become an Advocate: You don’t have to live in Washington, D.C. to impact the outcome of important legislation.  The Foundation provides a voice of support in debates and passage of bills that advance cancer research and prevention activities, as well as those that support the needs of cancer patients and their families.  You can help make our voice stronger by supporting these issues by contacting your local legislators in support of these issues.  Visit our Advocacy Action Center to learn about current issues and actions you can take to support us.
• Give at Work: Companies of all sizes can establish Workplace Giving programs for employees and enhance that giving through an employer Matching Gift program. For more information contact your Human Resources or Charitable Giving Department to learn more about how your company can setup a Workplace Giving or Matching Donation campaign. Codes for Prevent Cancer Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, are: Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) #11074
• Employee Wellness Programs: Many companies are establishing workplace health programs to improve the lives and health of employees. Some wellness programs actually help reduce the cost of healthcare insurance for both the employee and employer.
• Lunch and Learn: As a benefit of corporate partnerships, Prevent Cancer Foundation can provide health professionals to talk about cancer prevention and early detection through its Lunch and Learn educational programs.

Connect with Prevent Cancer Foundation!

Web Site: preventcancer.org