Streisand donates $5M to Cedars-Sinai

LOS ANGELES, April 16 (UPI) -- The Barbra Streisand Women's Cardiovascular Research and Education Program at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles was created using a $5 million gift from the singer.

"Women need to be educated about female cardiovascular disease, and the medical community must be propelled toward change," Streisand said in a statement. "Just like with breast cancer, the impetus must come from women themselves striving to become empowered to reduce their risks for heart disease."

"Cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of women," said Dr. Eduardo Marban, director at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. "It kills nearly 500,000 women in the U.S. each year, more than all cancers combined. The medical system has failed to recognize female-pattern heart attack symptoms; current testing and treatments are geared toward male physiology."

Streisand has contributed to women's health programs through the Streisand Foundation since 1986, the hospital said.