American Cancer Society

Abstract

In 1913, 10 physicians and five laypeople founded the American Society for the Control of Cancer.Its stated purpose was to disseminate knowledge about cancer symptoms, treatment, and prevention; to investigate conditions under which cancer was found; and to compile cancer statistics.Later renamed the American Cancer Society, Inc. (ACS), the organization has grown to 13 division offices, more than 3,000 community offices, and more than 2 million volunteers working to conquer cancer.The mission of the ACS is to ". ..be 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."