American Cancer Society

American Cancer Society: comprehensive support in the fight against cancer

The American Cancer Society is an organization dedicated to helping people facing cancer. Its work spans cancer research, patient services, early detection, treatment, and education. The organization is a leading reference in the fight against the disease and operates with the support of donations and a broad network of volunteers and partners.

Services for patients and families

The organization offers concrete support programs for those receiving a cancer diagnosis and their loved ones. These include:

• Road To Recovery: free rides to treatment centers.
• Free lodging during treatment.
• ACS CARES™: guidance and support for patients.
• Free smoking cessation support.
• Connect with cancer survivors.
• Dedicated breast cancer support.
• 24/7 cancer helpline: 1-800-227-2345.

The website also allows users to search for resources and access survivor stories.

Research and scientific publications

The American Cancer Society conducts and funds cancer research. It manages a grants program with an application and review process, and publishes information about currently funded projects. Its research areas include early detection, extramural discovery science, population science, and health surveillance, prevention, and services. The organization publishes medical journals and maintains reference tools such as the Cancer Atlas, the U.S. Tobacco Atlas, the Cancer Statistics Center, and a glossary for non-scientists. It also hosts research events, such as the Jiler Conference.

Prevention, screening, and education

The organization shares information on risk factors and prevention, with sections dedicated to genetics, tobacco, HPV, diet and physical activity, and sun safety. It offers a cancer risk assessment and screening guidelines. It explains diagnostic tests, staging, and signs and symptoms. In education, it publishes materials on what cancer is, a cancer glossary, and an anatomy gallery.

Support during and after treatment

The organization provides resources for making treatment decisions, preparing for treatment, treatment types, and managing side effects. It addresses daily life and supportive care, patient navigation, financial and insurance matters, and end-of-life care. It also offers support for survivorship and life after treatment, with resources specific to caregivers and family, childhood cancer, adolescents and young adults, veterans, and health professionals.

Getting involved, volunteering, and ways to give

The American Cancer Society organizes fundraising events such as Relay For Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, walks, endurance events, galas, balls, parties, and golf tournaments. Anyone can start their own fundraiser, take part in virtual challenges, or volunteer. The organization also offers opportunities to advocate for the cause and for organizations to get involved through the ACS GenNow Network. Donations can be made online, monthly, in honor or memory of someone, or through corporate donations. Other options include donating by mail or phone, donating a car, donating items, donating through donor-advised funds (DAF), wills, trusts, and legacy giving, IRA charitable rollover, stock gifts, and foundations. The organization has ACS Shop and Discovery Shops stores, as well as partner promotions. Companies can support through corporate donations, employee giving, matching gift programs, organizing workplace fundraisers, and payroll deductions.

History and reach

The American Cancer Society marks 110 years of achievements and maintains a structure of leadership, finance, and governance. Its mission focuses on advancing prevention, providing support, addressing cancer disparities, and driving innovation. The organization has a presence in every U.S. state through its state support network and has a political action network (Cancer Action Network) and global support programs. It has a newsroom and offers employment opportunities.