Pfizer Inc. recently announced that it has granted over $1 million to finance the top breast cancer advocacy organizations that are dedicated to scientific research and quality-of-life studies concerning metastatic breast cancer (MBC).
Just 7 percent of all of the research investments for breast cancer are spent on MBC research. This is one of the principle reasons behind Pfizer's launching the Breast Cancer: A Story Half Told initiative. The goal is to raise awareness and knowledge about MBC.
“Metastatic breast cancer patients are in great need of treatment advances that will both extend and improve the quality of our lives -- and that doesn’t come without focused research,” Shirley Mertz, president of Metastatic Breast Cancer Network (MBCN), said. “I am pleased not only that MBCN has received this funding from Pfizer to support our research efforts, but that the other four recipient organizations will also be pursuing projects to help further the scientific understanding of metastatic breast cancer and impact the way it is treated.”
Through the initiative, people will give greater attention to the unique experiences and needs of MBC patients. In turn, this will lead to more research funding, which is important for such a serious illness.
“These awards -- which support advocacy-led, metastatic-focused research efforts -- are an important addition to the Story Half Told initiative,” Matt Shaulis, regional president for North America, Pfizer Oncology, said. “They also are aligned with Pfizer’s broader commitment to drive scientific advancement in breast cancer across stages and beyond our walls, building on the more than $35 million we have invested in unique breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer research funding partnerships over the last three years.”
Many lives will be changed through this initiative and associated funds.
“Since the launch of Story Half Told in 2014, we have worked with our partners to bring greater attention to the needs of people with metastatic breast cancer, so they are not lost in the broader breast cancer conversation,” Julia Smith, head of North American medical affairs for Pfizer Oncology, said. “We are proud to support the meaningful work being done by the advocacy community to help improve the outlook for people living with metastatic disease.”
