American Cancer Society

"The American Cancer Society(ACS) 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.” -mission statement of the ACS

History

This section should describe the interest group's founding and development. It would probably be a good idea to divide it into chronological subsections, for example:

Current objectives and activities

The most common activities of the ACS can be put into four categories: research, education, patient services, and advocacy. In the area of research, the ACS is the largest source of private, nonprofit cancer research funds in the United States, and only the federal government spends more money. The ACS cancer education programs focus on prevention and early detection. Prevention programs educate children and adults about health lifestyles and cancer risk factors which include tobacco use, sun exposure, and diet and exercise. The early detection programs educate the public informing them to have regular medical checkups and recommended cancer screenings. Early detection programs also encourage people to provide healthcare professionals with the most up-to-date information. The ACS provides support service programs intended to lessen the impact on friends, family, and the people diagnosed with cancer. Services provided include connecting patients with survivors and providing a place to stay when patients travel long distances for treatment. The ACS engages in advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels intended to increase funding for cancer research, to help more people benefit from advances in prevention, early detection, and treatment, to ease the path of the cancer patient through the healthcare system, and to improve the quality of life of cancer patients, survivors, and their families and friends. The ACS has a related advocacy organization, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) that works on influencing candidates and lawmakers to support laws and policies that aid the fight against cancer, and to conduct voter education campaigns focused on that purpose.

Organizational structure

The American Cancer Society, Inc., consists of a National Home Office, 13 chartered divisions, and over 3,400 local offices. The National Home Office is responsible for many activities including: the planning and coordination of ACS programs, information delivery, cancer control and prevention, advocacy, resource development, and patient services. The National Home Office also helps with technical support and provides materials to the divisions and local offices, and administers the intramural and extramural research programs. The 13 divisions are responsible for program delivery to their respective regions. The local offices deliver cancer prevention, help with early detection, and create patient services programs at the community level. Much of the American Cancer Society’s activities are carried out by volunteers. In 2006 the American Cancer Society had over three million volunteers that helped carry out the American Cancer Society’s mission through their service in different areas including research, public education, and patient support.

Achievements

   In all the American Cancer Society has funded over 40 researchers who have gone on to win Nobel Prizes in their respective fields for their studies.  The ACS has helped the death rates of those with cancer drop dramatically, and has supported and helped many policies and legislative acts.  Some Highlights include:

In 1946- the first two researchers supported by the American Cancer Society, Wendell Stanley and Hermann Muller win Nobel Prizes for crystallizing a virus and discovering mutations due to x-rays. A 70% decrease in mortality from cancer of the uterine cervix is seen because the ACS adopted the Pap test.

In 1947- The first successful chemotherapy of cancer because of the ACS funded Doctor, Sidney Farber.

In 1953- The ACS funded James Watson established the double helix structure, eventually winning a Nobel Prize in 62.

In 1954- ACS Hammond and Horn study shows link between smoking and cancer

In 1971- ACS took a leading roll to pass the National Cancer Act, which is considered the most dramatics piece of heath legislation ever enacted.

Public perception and controversies

In developing this final section, be especially careful about maintaining a neutral stance and tone. Your aim should be to document the public's perception of your group and/or any controversies in which it is or has been embroiled without weighing in with your own opinion about them.