A nationwide nonprofit founded in 1913 that funds cancer research, advocates for access to care, and runs free patient support services for people with cancer and their families.
American Cancer Society, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Founded in 1913 and now operating for more than a century, it combines three lines of work that are often separate elsewhere: funding biomedical research, advocating for policies that protect access to cancer care, and delivering free support services to patients and their families. The organization states that it is the only one undertaking all three together. Its stated vision is to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Patient-facing programmes include the 24/7 Cancer Helpline, which offers information and support around the clock; Free Rides to Treatment, providing transport for patients travelling to care; and Free Lodging During Treatment. These sit within a wider set of Comprehensive Patient Support Programs, all provided at no cost. On the research side, Breakthrough Research Funding supports cancer research aimed at eliminating the disease as a major health problem. The organisation also runs policy advocacy to protect access to cancer care.
The work is carried out through a nationwide, community-based voluntary health structure across the United States. Areas of focus span cancer research funding, biomedical research, public health advocacy and patient support services, within the healthcare, oncology and public health fields. Culture is mission-driven and voluntary, with an emphasis on free services and access to care for patients and families. Further detail is available at https://cancer.org/.
