The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is the largest financial supporter of prostate cancer research in the world. It is a major philanthropic force in the world of prostate cancer awareness and research.
Brief History of the Prostate Cancer Foundation
The Prostate Cancer Foundation was founded in Santa Monica, California in 1993 by financier Michael Milken.
Milken was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1993 shortly after being released from prison for financial securities and reporting violations. According to Milken, he was frustrated by the apparent difficulties that doctors and other scientists had in obtaining government funding for prostate cancer research. This spurred his interest in starting the PCF.
Activities and Prostate Cancer Awareness
The PCF partners with many high-profile organizations to promote prostate cancer awareness and raise money for research.
Some of the more well-known endeavors include the Home Run Challenge in partnership with Major League Baseball, Arnie's Army Battles Prostate Cancer golf events, and Athletes for a Cure.
Research Efforts
The PCF distributes millions of dollars in research grants to scientists studying various aspects of prostate cancer. The organization is currently the largest philanthropic supporter of prostate cancer research in the world.
A unique requirement of the the PCF's grants is that researchers are required to share what they have learned after one year -- regardless of whether they have officially published their findings or not. By forcing researchers to share their findings at an early stage, the PCF hopes to accelerate the pace of discovery.
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