A nonprofit voluntary health organisation founded in 1913, funding cancer research, providing free patient support services, and advocating on health policy across the United States.
Founded in 1913, the American Cancer Society, Inc. is a nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. It works across three main lines: funding breakthrough research, providing free patient services and support programmes, and advocating for policies that protect access to care. The organisation describes its vision as ending cancer as we know it, for everyone, and states that it is the only organisation working to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research and patient support.
Its programmes are delivered through a nationwide, community-based structure across the United States. These include a 24/7 Cancer Helpline, which helps people navigate the challenges of cancer at any hour; Free Rides to Treatment, which provides transportation to appointments; Free Lodging During Treatment; and a set of Comprehensive Support Programs offering free services to patients and their families.
Technical work spans cancer research funding and biomedical research, patient support services, health policy advocacy and public health, within the healthcare, oncology and nonprofit sectors. Employees work in a mission-driven organisation whose stated commitments include advocacy on access to care and a voluntary, community-based model of delivery.
