The Kohl's Corporation and its philanthropic arm, Kohl's Cares, have announced grants totaling $1.7 million to partnerships working in the areas of breast cancer research, education, and patient-assistance programs in the Midwest.

A grant of $1 million will provide continued support for Kohl's Breast Health for Women program, a partnership with the American Cancer Society to develop and distribute breast health guidebooks, fund breast cancer research, expand access to screenings, support women diagnosed with breast cancer, and help address barriers to treatment.

In addition, a grant of $700,000 was awarded to the Southeast Wisconsin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in support of Kohl's Conversations for the Cure, a grassroots educational program that encourages women to take action for their breast health. The funds will be used to expand the program from inner-city Milwaukee to suburban Milwaukee, Racine, Waukesha, and Walworth counties, targeting communities where a need for breast health services and information has been identified.

"The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately forty-five hundred Wisconsin women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone," said David Benson, executive vice president, American Cancer Society, Midwest Division. "By working together, we're able to help local women and their families learn ways to prevent and detect breast cancer early and find supporting services as they undergo treatment."