OUR MISSION
RESEARCH
Research is at the core of our organization, but its effects are felt far beyond the lab.
That’s why we’ve invested more than $5 billion in cancer research since 1946, all to find more – and better – treatments, uncover factors that may cause cancer, and improve cancer patients’ quality of life.
Globally, your American Cancer Society is relied on as an authority on cancer. Domestically, the 1.9 million people who will be diagnosed with cancer this year and the 16.9 million cancer survivors are relying on us as well.
Without the American Cancer Society’s nearly 75 years of investments in research, patients wouldn’t have as many treatment strategies, screening tools and preventative measures.
As the largest private not-for-profit, non-governmental funder of cancer research in the US, we’ve played a role in many of the major cancer research breakthroughs in the last century.
And we are honored to have given funding to 49 investigators who went on to win the Nobel Prize, considered the highest accolade any scientist can receive. This is a tribute to the Society’s Research program and the strength of its peer-review process.
RESEARCH
We launch innovative, high-impact research to find more - and better - treatments, uncover factors that may cause cancer, and improve the quality of life for people facing cancer.
EDUCATION
We provide the latest, evidence based cancer information, share how making healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce cancer risk, and develop screening guidelines that can help detect certain cancers early.
ADVOCACY
We fight cancer in city hall, the statehouse, and in Congress to demand change from our elected officials to build healthier communities, create safer workplaces, and provide greater, more equitable access to quality medical care.
SERVICE
We help people find answers and resources.