American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. It was founded in 1913 by 10 doctors and 5 laypeople in New York City, and called the American Society for the Control of Cancer (ASCC). At that time, a cancer diagnosis meant near-certain death. In 1936, ASCC created a legion of volunteers whose sole purpose was to wage war on cancer: the Women’s Field Army. It was an enormous success, multiplying by tenfold the number of people involved in fighting cancer. It was the Women’s Field Army that moved the American Cancer Society to the forefront of voluntary health organizations. In 1945, the ASCC was reorganized as the American Cancer Society.

Nearly half of all cancer deaths could be avoided if people followed preventive measures: live healthier lifestyles, quit smoking, and get recommended cancer screenings. The American Cancer Society provides resources, information, and support to help people do these things and risk for cancer. For those impacted by cancer, ACS helps guide them through their cancer experience. Whether they’ve recently been diagnosed, are currently going through treatment, or are caring for a loved one with cancer, ACS offers information, day-to-day help, and emotional support.

ACS has invested more than $4.6 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. Reducing health disparities across diverse and multicultural populations is one of its priorities. Further, ACS and its volunteers lobby elected officials to secure funding for cancer research, ensure all Americans have access to cancer care, and support public health legislation that reduces cancer risk and improves cancer care for all Americans.