Important Research Funding Through the

American Cancer Society

By David Kiger

Since 1946, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has funded research on cancer, investing more than $4 billion to better understand, treat, and prevent the disease. Today, ACS funds research in a range of different areas, including studies about what kinds of support cancer survivors require and how the United States can ensure equal access to cancer care.

The ACS research team includes an intramural division, a large staff of clinical researchers who conduct their own studies, and an extramural team that oversees ACS' grant program, which funds the work of researchers at other institutions.

Introduction

ACS funds both research and training programs for health care professionals in an effort to bring fresh and innovative minds to major issues in cancer research.

Some of the most important ACS research includes long-term studies that have followed millions of Americans since the 1950s. These projects have examined why individuals develop cancer and have led to a much greater understanding of the disease's causes, such as smoking and obesity. Over the years, ACS has provided grants to nearly 50 researchers who went on to win the Nobel Prize for their groundbreaking work.

American Cancer Society