Walgreens partners with Susan G. Komen, LLS on cancer treatment research, access

Walgreens has announced a collaboration with two organizations that will focus on research and access to cancer treatment. The retailer has partnered with the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to contribute more than a collective $25 million to the organizations over the next five years through a combination of corporate donations and in-store fundraising. 

“At Walgreens, we see the devastating impact of a cancer diagnosis and the challenges people living with cancer and their caregivers face in one of the toughest journeys of their lives,” said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of operations. “By collaborating with Susan G. Komen and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, we aim to advance critical needs in research, expand prevention programs and help families with the everyday challenges of living with cancer.”

Walgreens customers will be able to donate to the organizations at checkout in store from Nov. 3-17. Donations will be split equally between both organizations, which are focused on supporting patient services and increasing access to national and local screenings and treatments for cancer. 

“Susan G. Komen is thankful for the support of Walgreens and their customers and excited about the potential of this collaboration to accelerate the pace of research discovery, particularly as it relates to understanding and combating why breast cancers recur and become metastatic,” said Paula Schneider, CEO, Susan G. Komen. “Thanks to this partnership, we will be able to help support people touched by breast cancer today, while we spur the development of more effective treatments.”

The Susan G. Komen Foundation has said it will be focused on accelerating the pace of research discover as it relates to understanding and combating breast cancer recurrence and metastasis, as well as supporting patients with breast cancer with trustworthy information and assistance in overcoming barriers to care. Currently, more than 3.8 million Americans have been treated for or are living with breast cancer. 

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has said its area of focus has been speeding up the delivery of cancer treatment advances to pediatric patients, as well as helping patients, caregivers and survivors with the effects of cancer and treatment — financially, psychologically and emotionally. Nearly 1.4 million individuals in the United States live with or are in remission from blood cancer.

“Our partnership with Walgreens is setting a new standard for what nonprofits and industry can do through collaboration to help more patients,’ said LLS president and CEO Louis DeGennaro. “Our investment of nearly $1.3 billion in cancer research is moving the needle, but new therapies can’t help patients who don’t have access to them. Through this partnership, we aim to reach more patients with critical support and services, in their communities.”

Walgreens has been ramping up its cancer-focused initiatives across its enterprise in the past year. Last November, it rolled out the “Feel More Like You” program which offers an integrated approach to cancer care that utilizes pharmacists and beauty consultants in select stores to help support people with cancer. This effort recently added a 10-part podcast about living with cancer and its impact on health and identity. 

Additionally, in May, Walgreens Boots Alliance announced the transatlantic “Collaboration for Cancer Prevention, Research and Support.” The effort and research collaboration has included the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, the U.K.’s MacMillan Cancer Support, Susan G. Komen and LLS.