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 The American Cancer Society (ACS, while a
seemingly large organization, works hard for the most people
affected by any kind of cancer. ACS is the largest non-governmental
funder of cancer research in the U.S., investing more than $4.6
billion in research since 1946.
The American Cancer Society is there for scientists at pivotal
points in their career – to give them the support they need to keep
great research going or to take their ideas from dream to reality.
We are proud to have helped nearly 20,000 investigators make
important advances in prevention, early detection, treatment, and
care for those with cancer.
Here are just 10 of the countless cancer advances ACS supported:
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Uncovering a key way to stop tumors from growing.
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Pioneering work in bone marrow transplants.
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Furthering knowledge of genes linked to breast cancer.
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Laying the groundwork for a new multiple myeloma treatment.
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Finding a key driver of the blood cancer chronic myeloid
leukemia.
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Gaining insights that inspired researchers to investigate and
confirm that tamoxifen can both treat and sometimes prevent
breast cancer.
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Investigating new approaches that would make possible the first
targeted cancer therapy to receive FDA approval.
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Performing studies that paved the way for the development of the
breast cancer drug Herceptin.
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Confirming the link between smoking and lung cancer.
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Proving that obesity increases risk of premature death as well
as establishing the link between obesity and death from certain
types of cancer.
The American Cancer Society currently funds 31
research grants in Illinois totaling $18,815,000 at the following
institutions, as of January 1, 2018:
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Carle Foundation Hospital - 1 grant, $24,000.
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Loyola University, Chicago - 3 grants, $1,584,000.
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Northwestern University, Chicago Campus - 8 grants, $4,769,500.
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Northwestern University, Evanston Campus - 2 grants, $1,450,000.
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Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science - 1 grant,
$792,000.
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University of Chicago - 12 grants, $7,280,500.
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University of Illinois, Chicago - 4 grants, $2,915,000.
To accelerate progress against cancer – all
cancers – ACS will double their annual research investment to $250
million a year by 2021. By taking what ACS has learned through
research and translating it into action, ACS has contributed to a
26% decrease in the overall U.S. cancer death rate since 1991. That
means that ACS has helped avoid nearly 2.4 million cancer deaths
during that time.
ACS funds and conducts research to discover how people can take
steps to reduce their cancer risk, and provide information on the
causes of cancer – from environment to lifestyle choices to
genetics, and more. ACS works to encourage healthy lifestyle choices
– like avoiding tobacco, eating healthy, and being physically active
– that could help to eliminate approximately 50 percent of deaths
from cancer.
ACS publishes guidelines for health care professionals and lay
people alike, to help individuals know what cancer screenings are
right for them.
ACS believes no one should die of cancer because they cannot get the
quality care they need. ACS is working to increase screening and
reduce cancer risk for underserved communities and boost our
investment in our transportation and lodging programs to help
patients receive treatment and support.
ACS provides patients and caregivers with resources that can help
improve – and even save – lives. From free rides to chemo, places to
stay when treatment is far from home, and a live 24/7 helpline, ACS
is here for everyone with cancer questions and concerns, when and
where they need us.
[Janelle Jennings, American Cancer
Society/LDN] |
