American Cancer Society

1240 Words5 Pages
Researching to Prevent the Spread of Cancer Every year, an average of over 500,000 Americans die from cancer, and an average of 1.5 million new cancer cases will be reported (Dunham). Cancer is an ailment in which cells uncontrollably multiply, destroying healthy tissue during its progression. Dedicated to the prevention of cancer through research, The American Cancer Society, or A.C.S., is a international, community-based, volunteer association. Personnel includes various specialists, including doctors, nurses, and technicians along with over 2 million other volunteers (“Company History”). During its lifespan, the American Cancer Society has become one of the largest not-for-profit cancer research fund provider, beaten only by the United…show more content…
The group began by publishing articles and writing for journals in order to educate the public about the little-known illness. In 1936, female volunteers introduced The Women's Field Army. Volunteers canvassed the streets of New York City in order to raise funds as well as educate the public (“About the Society”). In 1943, the Society became more like the way people know it today. That same year, Mary Lasker discovered that her housekeeper had been diagnosed with cancer, and that nothing could be done to save her. Stunned, Mrs. Lasker called the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Control, only to discover the control group had no money for research (“Company History”). Albert Lasker, Mary’s husband, then set in place an advertising campaign to raise money from private citizens for use in research. According to “The American Cancer Society’s Company History”, “The first fund-raising campaign conducted by the American Cancer Society in 1945 brought in more than $4 million, of which 25 percent was set aside specifically for research. Since the federal government was only spending a total of $750,000 for cancer research during (that) same year, the amount raised by the ACS was significant.” Later that year, a director was assigned for research and development; marking the beginning of…show more content…
The American Cancer Society solely exists to “(eliminate) cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. (“About the Society”)” Few other local organizations can say they have had such an impact on every American like the American Cancer Society. With community organizations such as the American Cancer Society advocating for cancer patients and families, what can you say you’ve done today? &#8195; Works Cited "About the Society." American Cancer Society. 2009. 14 May 2009 <http://www.cancer.org/docroot/AA/aa_0.asp>. Dunham, Will. "Cancer death rate down but 565,650 seen in 2008." Reuters.com. 20 Feb. 2008. 14 May 2009 <http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN1926392720080220>. "The American Cancer Society’s Company History." Connecting Angel Investors and Entrepreneurs. 14 May 2009 <http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/ The-American-Cancer-Society-Company-History.html>. "What is Relay For Life?" Relay For Life. 2009. American Cancer Society. 17 May 2009

More about American Cancer Society

Open Document