What is the American Cancer Society? American Cancer Society reviews and website information

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is one of the most influential nonprofit health organizations in the United States, dedicated to eliminating cancer through research, education, advocacy and services. Since its establishment in 1913, ACS has become a global leader in cancer prevention and treatment, with the mission of reducing the incidence and mortality of cancer through prevention, early detection, treatment and support services. This article will explore the history, mission, major activities, research results and profound impact of the American Cancer Society on society.

1. History of the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society was founded in 1913 and was originally named the American Society for the Control of Cancer (ASCC). Its main purpose was to increase public awareness of cancer and promote the advancement of cancer research. In its early days, cancer was considered an incurable disease and the public's knowledge of cancer was very limited. ASCC worked hard to change this situation through education and advocacy.

In 1945, ASCC changed its name to the American Cancer Society (ACS) and began more extensive activities. With the advancement of science and technology and the deepening of medical research, ACS has gradually become an important force in the field of cancer prevention and treatment. Its research funding mainly comes from public donations and charitable activities, which enables ACS to independently carry out large-scale cancer research projects.

2. Mission and Vision of the American Cancer Society

The mission of ACS is to reduce the incidence and mortality of cancer through prevention, early detection, treatment and support services. Its vision is to "create a world without cancer". To achieve this goal, ACS focuses on the following core areas:

1. Cancer prevention: Promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing cancer risk factors through education and awareness.
2. Early detection: Promote cancer screening programs to help people detect cancer as early as possible and improve cure rates.
3. Cancer treatment:
Support cancer research and advance the development and use of new treatments.
4. Patient Support: Providing psychological, emotional and practical support to cancer patients and their families.

3. Main Activities of the American Cancer Society

ACS works in many ways, the following are its main activities:

1. Cancer research and funding

ACS is one of the world's largest non-governmental cancer research funding organizations. Since 1946, ACS has invested more than $5 billion in cancer research and funded hundreds of scientists and researchers. Its funded research projects cover multiple areas of cancer, including basic research, clinical research, epidemiological research, and behavioral science research.

2. Education and publicity

ACS disseminates cancer-related knowledge to the public through various channels, including healthy lifestyles, cancer prevention, early screening and treatment methods. Its official website (www.cancer.org) provides a wealth of resources, including articles, videos, tools and guidelines, to help people better understand cancer.

3. Cancer screening and early detection

ACS actively promotes cancer screening programs and encourages people to undergo regular cancer screening, especially for common cancers such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer. Through early detection, the cure rate of cancer can be significantly improved.

4. Patient support services

ACS provides comprehensive support services to cancer patients and their families, including psychological counseling, financial assistance, transportation services, accommodation arrangements, etc. Its "Hope Lodge" project provides free accommodation for cancer patients who need long-distance treatment to reduce their financial burden.

5. Policy advocacy

Through policy advocacy, ACS encourages governments to formulate and implement policies that are conducive to cancer prevention and treatment. Its advocacy activities include tobacco control, cancer screening coverage, and health care reform.

4. Research Results of the American Cancer Society

ACS has made many important achievements in the field of cancer research. Here are some highlights:

1. Tobacco control

ACS has made great contributions to tobacco control. Through research and advocacy, ACS has revealed the close relationship between smoking and cancer and promoted the implementation of a number of tobacco control policies. Its efforts have led to a significant decline in the smoking rate in the United States and a reduction in the incidence of lung cancer.

2. Improvements in cancer screening technology

ACS-funded research has led to improvements in a variety of cancer screening technologies, including mammography for breast cancer and colonoscopy for colorectal cancer. These improvements have greatly increased the early detection rate of cancer, thereby improving the cure rate.

3. Development of new treatments

ACS-funded research has also led to the development of a variety of new therapies, including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy, which have expanded treatment options for cancer patients and significantly improved treatment outcomes.

4. Epidemiological studies

ACS epidemiological studies reveal risk factors for a variety of cancers, including diet, exercise, environmental exposure, etc. These studies provide scientific basis for cancer prevention and help the public better understand how to reduce cancer risk.

5. Social Impact of the American Cancer Society

The impact of ACS is not limited to the United States. Its activities and achievements have had a profound impact on global cancer prevention and treatment. The following are the main social impacts of ACS:

1. Raise public awareness of cancer

Through education and advocacy, ACS has significantly increased public awareness of cancer. More and more people are paying attention to cancer prevention and early screening, which helps reduce the incidence and mortality of cancer.

2. Promote progress in cancer research

ACS research funding has promoted the progress of cancer research, and many important scientific discoveries and treatments have benefited from ACS support. These research results have not only benefited the United States, but also had a positive impact on global cancer prevention and treatment.

3. Improve the quality of life of cancer patients

ACS support services significantly improve the quality of life for cancer patients. By providing psychological counseling, financial assistance, and practical support, ACS helps cancer patients and their families better cope with the challenges of the disease.

4. Promote policy change

ACS policy advocacy has led to a number of policy changes that are beneficial to cancer prevention and treatment. The implementation of these policies has helped reduce cancer risk factors and increased access to cancer screening and treatment.

6. Journals of the American Cancer Society

ACS publishes three important academic journals, providing a high-quality academic communication platform for the field of cancer research:

1. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians

This is the flagship journal of ACS, mainly publishing the latest progress and review articles in clinical cancer research. The journal's impact factor ranks among the highest in the medical field and is widely regarded as an authoritative journal in the field of cancer research.

2. Cancer Cytopathology

The journal focuses on the study of cancer cytopathology and publishes articles on cancer diagnosis, classification and pathological mechanisms.

3. Cancer Journal for Clinicians

The journal provides clinicians with the latest cancer treatment guidelines and practice recommendations to help them better treat cancer patients.

7. How to support the American Cancer Society

As a nonprofit organization, ACS relies on public donations and volunteer support. Here are a few ways to support ACS:

1. Donate: Support ACS research and activities by making donations through the ACS website.
2. Volunteerism: Join ACS as a volunteer and participate in its education and outreach activities.
3. Get involved: Participate in various fundraising events organized by ACS, such as the Relay for Life walk.
4. Disseminate information: Spread ACS’ cancer prevention and treatment messages and raise public awareness through social media and other channels.

8. Conclusion

As a global leader in cancer prevention and treatment, the American Cancer Society has made great contributions to the elimination of cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Its activities not only benefit the United States, but also have a profound impact on global cancer prevention and treatment. By supporting ACS, we can work together towards a future without cancer.