American Cancer Society

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. With more than three million volunteers nationwide, the American Cancer Society is one of the oldest and largest voluntary health agencies in the United States.

Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 14 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities. The Illinois Division of the American Cancer Society funds cancer research to find a cure; provides education to prevent cancer and detect it early; advocates to enact laws that will impact cancer incidence and mortality; and provides community services that benefit everyone touched by cancer.

How the American Cancer Society Fights Cancer

Research

The American Cancer Society is the largest source of private, not-for-profit cancer research funds in the U.S., second only to the federal government in total dollars spent. Last year, the Society spent nearly $131 million in research. Since 1946, the Society has invested about $3 billion in cancer research, including $2 million annually in Illinois.

Education and Prevention

Knowing the facts about cancer can save lives. Primary cancer prevention means taking the necessary precautions to prevent the occurrence of cancer. The Society works to save lives and diminish suffering from cancer through community-based programs aimed at reducing the risk of cancer, detecting cancer as early as possible, ensuring proper treatment, and empowering people facing cancer to cope with the disease and maintain the highest possible quality of life. Society programs focus primarily on tobacco control; the relationship between diet, physical activity and cancer; and promoting coordinated community health.

Advocacy and Public Policy

Cancer is a political issue. Every day, government policymakers make decisions that affect the lives of nearly 10 million cancer patients, survivors, their families and all those at risk for developing cancer. To impact those decisions positively, the Society works to promote beneficial policies, laws and regulations for those affected by cancer.

Patient Navigation Services(TM)

No organization is better positioned than the American Cancer Society to help patients and their families work through the multi-faceted issues that make a cancer journey so challenging. Through Patient Navigation Services, the American Cancer Society provides a one stop, community-based information resource and service center where cancer patients, their families and friends can find help support and answers. In Illinois, in-person access to Patient Navigation Services is available at the Society’s headquarters or any of its 15 regional offices, or at the Comprehensive Navigation Centers and Patient Resource Centers located in health care facilities. The Society provides information on all aspects of cancer through a 24-hour information center (1.800.ACS.2345), Web site (www.cancer.org) and published materials.

If you have cancer, or know someone who does, we can help. Our compassionate, knowledgeable cancer specialists are available around the clock at 1-800-ACS-2345. Or contact us online at www.cancer.org.