Any breakthrough in breast cancer research is crucial, as it is the most common cancer in women. Breast cancer charities fund and work extensively with researchers and scientists to determine the cause, look for new treatment and medication. They also fund screening programs, clinical trials and directly sponsor the treatment of patients who cannot afford it. Many charities work on creating awareness and education. While some charities work in one or two areas, some larger charities do all of the above.

Many charity watchdogs and bureaus track the charities and rate them every year to help people make wise donation decisions. Here are some of the top charities for 2020 (in no particular order) based on their work done, programs, financial performance, impact, transparency, accountability, and funds usage.

1. National Breast Cancer Foundation
Founded by Janelle Hail, a breast cancer survivor, the foundation works toward early detection, support services, education, and awareness of breast cancer. They conduct National Mammography programs and offer free mammograms for women in need through their partner hospitals. They also run patient navigator programs for women diagnosed with cancer to go through treatment and recovery without fear. They offer retreats for women in the last stages of cancer, offering end-of-life consultations and therapy. About 80% of the funding is used for their programs and about 10% for administrative expenses.

2. Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation
The foundation exclusively works in research to determine the cause of breast cancer and undertakes studies to study the impact of breast cancer treatments. Their mission is to have a society without breast cancer. Current research programs map the 12 ducts of the breast and hope to isolate and treat only the sick duct instead of the entire breast. They are also working on mapping cancer through 3 D ultrasound to help surgeons treat breast cancer more precisely. More than 80% of the funding goes to the research programs and about 10% to administrative expenses.

3. Living Beyond breast cancer
The foundation was founded in 1991 by radiation-oncologist Marisa C. Weiss. From then till now, they provide information and support to anyone who is newly diagnosed, currently being treated, at a metastatic stage of breast cancer. They also guide patients to live well during recovery by supporting caregivers. They spend about 85% of their funds on the programs they run, and about 8% goes to administrative expenses.

4. Breast Cancer Alliance
Founded to improve the survival rates and improve women’s lives affected by breast cancer, this charity works on research and grants fellowships for breast cancer surgery. It also works with the affected women, provides education, and helps screen those who require help. The charity directly works with hospitals to fund costs of screening, including mammography, MRI, biopsies. It helps with patient navigation and offers psychological support during and after treatment. It spends about 82% of its funds on programs and about 10% on administrative expenses.