History

Founded in 2005 by Amgen Inc. as a complementary component to the company’s sponsorship of the Amgen Tour of California, Breakaway from Cancer is a national initiative to increase awareness of the important resources available to cancer patients from prevention to education and support to financial assistance and survivorship. 

The Breakaway from Cancer initiative supports the important programs, services and tools offered by the Prevent Cancer Foundation, Cancer Support Community, Patient Advocate Foundation and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. 

"For more than 26 years, Amgen has tapped the power of pioneering science to fight serious illnesses," said Stuart Arbuckle, vice president and general manager, Amgen Oncology. "Amgen’s staff members from around the world come to work every day motivated by the chance to make a dramatic difference in the lives of people suffering from cancer and other life threatening illnesses.  Amgen is passionate about helping people who are battling cancer, and Breakaway from Cancer is one of the ways that Amgen is fighting cancer on multiple fronts."

Amgen is proud to continue to sponsor the Amgen Tour of California, now in its fifth year. This world-class professional cycling competition brings the world's best cyclists together to compete along some of the most challenging - and spectacular – terrain that California has to offer.

Leading up to and during the Amgen Tour of California, Breakaway from Cancer activities take place to recognize, honor and celebrate cancer survivors.