| Last updated on August 5, 2008 |
MISSION: 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.
History:
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY HISTORY
Begun in 1913 by fifteen physicians and business leaders gathered in New York City, today's American Cancer Society was first known as the American Society for the Control of Cancer (ASCC).
In 1936, Marjorie G. Illig, an ASCC field representative and chairman of the General Federation of Women's Clubs Committee on Public Health, created a legion of volunteers whose primary purpose was to carry the Society's message door to door. The new group, called the Women's Field Army, increased the number of people active in cancer control tenfold. More than anything else, the Woman's Field Army catapulted the ASCC from relative obscurity into the forefront of the fight against cancer.
In 1945, the organization took on the name American Cancer Society, reorganized its structure, and established a research program. Research, in particular, has become a critical component of our work. Within one year of its founding, the Society's very first grantee -- Dr. Sidney Farber -- had achieved the first temporary cancer remission using a drug called aminopterin. Since then, scientists supported by the American Cancer Society have:
- Established the link between cancer and smoking,
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of the Pap smear,
- Developed cancer fighting drugs and biological response modifies such as interferon,
- Dramatically increased the cure rate for childhood leukemia,
- Proved the safety and effectiveness of mammography,
- Defined the structure of DNA, and much, much, more.
All told, the Society has committed nearly 2.5 billion research dollars over the years, funding 32 Nobel Prize winners, often early in their careers before they had received recognition and monetary support for their work.
The American Cancer Society recognizes the need to adapt to a rapidly changing world. In New England, when six separate Divisions merged into one Division in 1997, we became a more efficient and effective entity in the fight against cancer. Today, the Society is focusing on doubling the number of lives saved from cancer, cutting by one quarter the number of people who have to hear the words "you have cancer," and increasing the quality of life for cancer patients and their families. Helping our nation achieve these goals is the greatest challenge the Society has faced in its history. Closing that gap will require commitments from many cancer control and health care organizations, state and federal governments, and every American Cancer Society employee.
Contact person: Neena Miles, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: 203-563-0738
Address:
Web Site: http://www.cancer.org
Directions:
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For a more detailed listing of the volunteer opportunities in your area visit us at www.cancer.org and click on the Get Involved link at the top of our home page. |
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