American Cancer Society
Explore the mission, research, and transformative impact of the American Cancer Society—leading the fight against cancer through research, support, and education.
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What Is the American Cancer Society?
The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.
Founding and History
The American Cancer Society was founded in 1913 by a group of physicians and business leaders who recognized the need for coordinated action against cancer. What began as a small effort to educate the public about cancer has evolved into one of the world's largest cancer organizations, with more than two million volunteers and supporters.
Throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, the organization has been instrumental in advancing cancer research, improving treatment outcomes, and providing critical support services to cancer patients and survivors. From early awareness campaigns to funding breakthrough research, the American Cancer Society has been at the forefront of the fight against cancer.
Today, the organization continues its mission with an unwavering commitment to reducing cancer incidence and mortality, supporting those affected by cancer, and promoting cancer prevention and early detection.
Key Facts
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Global Impact
Operating nationwide with presence in communities across America and international partnerships.
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Research Investment
Billions invested in cancer research funding lifesaving breakthroughs and clinical trials.
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Patient Support
Comprehensive programs including counseling, support groups, and financial assistance.
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Education
Evidence-based information on cancer prevention, screening, and treatment options.
Mission and Core Values
The ACS Mission
The American Cancer Society's mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. The organization works to fulfill this mission through research funding, education, advocacy, and direct patient support services. By combining scientific excellence with compassionate care, the ACS addresses every aspect of cancer care and prevention.
🔬 Research Excellence
The ACS is a leading funder of cancer research, supporting scientists pursuing breakthrough discoveries in prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship. By funding the brightest minds in science, the organization accelerates progress toward curing cancer.
💙 Patient Support
The ACS provides comprehensive support to cancer patients and survivors, including 24/7 counseling, support groups, transportation assistance, and lodging programs. The organization recognizes that cancer affects not just patients but entire families.
📢 Advocacy and Policy
The ACS advocates for cancer patients at local, state, and federal levels, pushing for policy changes that improve access to care, support prevention initiatives, and ensure research funding. The organization gives voice to those affected by cancer.
📚 Education and Prevention
The ACS provides evidence-based information on cancer prevention, risk reduction, early detection, and treatment. Through community education programs, the organization empowers people to make informed health decisions and reduce their cancer risk.
🌍 Health Equity
The ACS is committed to ensuring that all people have access to cancer prevention, treatment, and support services regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. Health equity is central to the organization's mission.
🤝 Partnership and Community
The ACS works through partnerships with healthcare providers, community organizations, and millions of volunteers to extend its reach and impact. By building strong community connections, the organization achieves greater results in the fight against cancer.
Research and Innovation
The American Cancer Society's research funding has been instrumental in advancing the field of oncology and improving cancer treatment and prevention worldwide.
Funding Breakthrough Discoveries
Since its founding, the American Cancer Society has invested billions of dollars in cancer research. The organization funds researchers at leading institutions, supports early-career scientists, and backs high-risk, high-reward projects that might not attract traditional funding. Many cancer treatments in use today were funded by American Cancer Society research grants.
The ACS supports research across the entire cancer continuum—from prevention and early detection to treatment and survivorship. By funding basic science research that expands our understanding of cancer biology alongside clinical research that translates discoveries into patient benefits, the organization ensures comprehensive advancement in cancer care.
The organization also supports researcher mentorship and training programs, ensuring that the next generation of cancer scientists has the resources and guidance to build successful careers in cancer research.
Areas of Research Focus
- • Cancer prevention and risk reduction strategies
- • Early detection and screening technologies
- • Novel treatment approaches and immunotherapy
- • Pediatric and adolescent cancer research
- • Cancer survivorship and quality of life
- • Health disparities in cancer outcomes
- • Precision medicine and personalized treatment
Programs and Services
Cancer Support Services
The ACS provides free, confidential information and support to cancer patients and their families. Services include 24/7 helplines, support groups, counseling, transportation, lodging, and financial assistance. These programs address the practical and emotional challenges of cancer.
Many services are available in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for diverse communities. The organization recognizes that supporting the whole person—not just treating the disease—is essential to patient well-being.
Prevention and Screening Programs
The ACS provides educational resources on cancer prevention, including information on risk factors like tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and lack of physical activity. The organization promotes evidence-based screening guidelines to catch cancers early.
Community programs help people understand their cancer risk and take steps to reduce it. By empowering people with knowledge about prevention and early detection, the ACS saves lives before cancer develops.
Educational Resources
The ACS maintains extensive, evidence-based information on all aspects of cancer—from risk factors and prevention to diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. These resources are available in print, online, and through interactive programs, serving as a trusted source of cancer information for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
The organization also provides educational programs for healthcare professionals, ensuring that providers have current information on best practices in cancer care and prevention.
Advocacy and Survivor Advocacy
The ACS advocates for policies that benefit cancer patients and survivors, including access to affordable care, insurance protections, and research funding. The organization trains and mobilizes advocates to share their stories and push for meaningful policy change at local, state, and federal levels.
Cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers are empowered to become advocates, ensuring that patient voices are heard in policy discussions and decision-making processes.
Get Involved and Make a Difference
The American Cancer Society relies on millions of volunteers, donors, and community partners to fulfill its mission. There are many ways to contribute to the fight against cancer.
❤️ Donate
Donations support research, patient services, and education programs. Every contribution brings the organization closer to a world without cancer. Gifts can be made in memory of loved ones or in honor of cancer survivors.
🤝 Volunteer
Volunteers provide critical support through direct patient services, fundraising events, advocacy, and administrative support. Volunteering is a meaningful way to make a personal impact in the fight against cancer.
🏃 Participate in Events
The ACS organizes fundraising events like Relay for Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks. Participation raises awareness and funds while building community and celebrating survivors.