Susan G. Komen For The Cure Cancels Boston Breast Cancer Walk

DALLAS (CBS/AP) — Susan G. Komen for the Cure says it is canceling half of its 3-day charity walk next year because of a steep drop in participation levels.

The board is ending the walk in seven cities in 2014, including Boston. The 2013 3-day will still take place from July 26 – 28.

The executive director of the Massachusetts branch says the decision had to do with fundraising struggles.

The announcement comes more than a year after the Dallas-based breast cancer organization experienced intense backlash after its decision to stop giving grants to Planned Parenthood for breast screenings was made public. The funding was restored days later.

Komen says "economic uncertainty" has affected participation levels, which have dropped 37 percent over the past four years.

Participants must raise at least $2,300 to walk 60 miles over three days.

The cancelled walks are in Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Phoenix, San Francisco, Tampa Bay and Washington D.C.