Lowcountry presents breast cancer findings and announces affiliate expansion

After conducting and reviewing countless surveys, interviews and focus groups facilitated by the Komen Lowcountry Affiliate Community Profile team, the Affiliate identified three new priorities related to reducing the burden of breast cancer in South Carolina. The priorities include 1) reducing barriers to screening and treatment; 2) increasing education regarding breast health, screenings and resources; and 3) improving support services for breast cancer survivors. During the next two years, the Affiliate will base its efforts around the findings through their mission, grants and public policy programs.

The Profile shares findings that African-American, Hispanic and rural populations are significantly less aware of the affects of breast cancer and available resources regarding breast cancer health. The organization plans to provide culturally unique educational materials to these specific populations through their annual Pink Sunday event that will take place on October 23. In an effort to raise awareness of the disease and the importance of early detection, Pink Sunday was created as a community outreach program open to all faith-based organizations and community-based nonprofits within the service area. The affiliate will provide free, culturally appropriate educational materials and incentives to registered churches and organizations.

Lucy Spears, a breast cancer survivor and the Affiliate’s mission programs manager, also announced at the Community Profile event that the Lowcountry Affiliate is expanding to include four new counties in its service area: Calhoun, Florence, Marion and Williamsburg. With this addition, the Affiliate now serves 17 counties in eastern South Carolina and will be depending on fund raising events such as the Susan G. Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cureâ more than ever to support their growing grant programs in these areas.

“We are thrilled with the opportunity to expand our reach into these four new counties,” explains Spears. “The need for education is great and everyone at Komen Lowcountry is determined to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Simply put, no one should have to suffer due to a lack of knowledge or resources in their community and we are ready to do whatever it takes to help.”

About the Lowcountry Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
The Lowcountry Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the local partner for the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting breast cancer. Through annual events like the Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure, the Komen Lowcountry Affiliate has invested more than $4 million in local breast health and breast cancer awareness projects in 17 counties. Seventy-five percent of net proceeds generated by the Affiliate stay in the 17-county service area, while the remaining income goes to the national Komen for the Cure Award and Research Grant Programs — supporting research, awards and educational and scientific programs around the world.