An introduction to the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is one of the largest voluntary organisations in the U.S. The cancer society has a passion for saving lives from cancer, and this passion has been combined with almost a century’s worth of experience and knowledge, to make the society’s vision a reality. The society with the help of millions of supporters helps to save lives and create a world with less cancer by helping people fight back to get well.

History

The history of the ACS dates back to its foundation in 1913 by 15 of New York City’s prominent physicians and business leaders. This was a time when people diagnosed with cancer were under a sure death sentence. The disease was considered taboo and openly discussing it in society was frowned upon. Many physicians preferred not to tell their patients they had cancer.

Structure

The American Cancer Society, Inc. is made up of the National Home Office, 12 chartered Division affiliates across the United States of America and maintains a presence in most communities. The headquarters of the society is in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, with over 900 local offices across the nation and a presence in over 5,000 communities.

The society helps people to take steps to prevent cancer, or to at least take action to detect its presence at the earliest possible time when it can be treated. The National Cancer Information Center offers a free cancer information service and various programs to people, 24 hours a day - 7 days a week.

Patients, survivors and caregivers receive community referrals to help them through the cancer experience. The society helps create awareness about the dangers of smoking, unhealthy lifestyles and substance abuse which may lead to cancer. It also helps to educate people to get the right screening tests done, stop smoking and start living a healthy lifestyle with a cancer prevention diet.

ACS funds research to help better understanding of the causes of cancer. Find the best preventive measures and identify new methods to cure the disease. The society’s research program covers behavioural research, surveillance research, extramural grants and intramural epidemiology.

Rather than sit back and let the disease run its course, the American Cancer Society chooses to rally worldwide communities into fighting back. People can help the cause by making cancer donations on the ACS website.