American Cancer Society, Inc.

American Cancer Society, Inc. is a voluntary health organization founded in 1913 that works to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families. The organization describes itself as the only one combining advocacy, research funding and patient support for that purpose, and it operates through a nationwide, community-based voluntary health structure across the United States. Its stated vision is to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

Its work falls into three broad areas: funding breakthrough cancer research intended to eliminate cancer as a major health problem; advocacy for policies that protect access to cancer care; and free patient support services. The last of these includes a 24/7 Cancer Helpline for people navigating a diagnosis, Free Rides to Treatment and Free Lodging During Treatment programmes, and wider comprehensive support services for patients and their families.

Culture is service-oriented and mission-driven, with volunteer involvement central to the community-based structure and an explicit focus on equity and access to care. The organization works across the healthcare, oncology, public health and patient services fields, with more than a century of continuous operation behind it.