Why Breast Cancer Research Matters
- Foundation Mission: The Breast Cancer Research Foundation exists to accelerate breast cancer research worldwide by funding the most promising scientists and moving discoveries more quickly toward patient impact.
- What the Foundation Does: BCRF prioritizes supporting outstanding investigators rather than single projects, enabling continuous, flexible research that can adapt as new ideas emerge.
- Funding & Momentum: Sustaining progress requires coordinated investment from philanthropy, government, industry, and individuals to protect and build on today’s unprecedented scientific advances.
For Larry Norton, co-founder of Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the fight matters “We’re all very, very concerned that this momentum we have of eradicating cancer with scientific advances that that momentum may be blunted or may even be reversed.”
Read MoreA defining principle of the foundation is its focus on supporting investigators over isolated projects.
“We support people rather than ideas,” Norton explained. “Great people often have new ideas and need continuous support. That approach has helped push the agenda forward, and many of the advances against breast cancer over the last couple of decades have involved one or more foundation grantees.”
Norton emphasizes that philanthropic funding works best when paired with strong federal investment and industry collaboration.
“Coupling what government can do, what philanthropy can do, what individuals can do, what industry can do—making it all work together in a coordinated whole—that’s what will help us keep momentum going,” he said.
With recent years bringing major advances in cancer biology and treatment, Norton believes sustaining research support is more important than ever.
“This is a critical time,” he said. “We have extraordinary scientific momentum. We need to protect it and build on it so these discoveries translate into better health for patients.”
Ultimately, Norton’s message circles back to individual responsibility.
“If everybody wakes up every morning asking how they can help heal the world,” he said, “then all of us can participate in making it a better place.”
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
