American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.

Description:
The American Cancer Society consists of a National Home Office with 13 chartered Divisions and a local presence in nearly every community nationwide. The Society's 13 Divisions are responsible for program delivery and fundraising in their regions. More than 3,400 local offices nationwide raise funds at the community level and deliver cancer prevention, early detection, and patient service programs. The Society is the largest source of private, nonprofit cancer research funds in the US, second only to the federal government in total dollars spent. The American Cancer Society and its sister advocacy organization, the American Cancer Society Action Network (ACS CAN), work in partnership to ensure that elected officials in Washington, D.C., and across the nation make the fight against cancer a top national priority.

History:
In 1913, 10 physicians and 5 laypeople founded the American Society for the Control of Cancer. Its stated purpose was to disseminate knowledge about cancer symptoms, treatment, and prevention; to investigate conditions under which cancer was found; and to compile cancer statistics. Later renamed the American Cancer Society, Inc., the organization now includes more than 3 million volunteers working together to conquer cancer. Since its inception nearly a century ago, the American Cancer Society has made significant contributions to progress against cancer in the US. As a result, overall cancer mortality has steadily declined since the 1990s, and the 5-year survival rate is now 66%, up from 50% in the 1970s.

Contact person: Arlene Quinlan, (phone)

Office fax number: (203) 379-5060 Meriden, CT office

Address:

538 Preston Avenue Meriden, CT 06450 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.cancer.org

Last updated on April 2, 2009