1.
OUR STORY

2.
WHY WE EXIST
1 in 2 men
will get cancer in their lifetime.
1 in 3 women
will get cancer in their lifetime.
Lauren, survivor, with husband Ian
Cancer is something
we can’t ignore.

3.
Our vision is a world free from
the pain and suffering of cancer.
Our purpose is to achieve it.
WHY WE EXIST

4.
We’re an organization
of 2.5 million strong, and
we’re here throughout
the entire journey.
WHY WE EXIST

5.
We’re doing everything in our power to prevent cancer.
We promote healthy lifestyles by issuing cancer guidelines for early detection,
helping people avoid tobacco, and reducing barriers to healthy eating and exercise.
WHO WE ARE

6.
If you are diagnosed, we’re there for you. Every step of the way.
Whether it’s providing emotional support, the latest cancer information, or a
home away from home when treatment is far away, we’re there when you need
us — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
WHO WE ARE

7.
We help you stay healthy and thrive after treatment.
We research ways for survivors to not only live longer, but live better. And we
offer information and tools for staying healthy, both physically and emotionally.
WHO WE ARE

8.
Cancer is a worthy opponent, to say the least.
It has a formidable nature, a resourceful manner,
and a destructive appetite.
But, cancer will never have what we have…
WHO WE ARE

9.
HUMANITY
Made of
COURAGE, DETERMINATION, INNOVATION,
PASSION, EMPATHY, AND CARING.
WHO WE ARE

10.
These are the values of humanity
that are giving us the advantage over cancer.
WHO WE ARE

11.
COURAGEOUS
WE ARE THE

12.
We fight for every life threatened by cancer and talk about the things no one else will.
We are not afraid to meet challenges head-on – before cancer even strikes.
It’s what is giving us the advantage.
COURAGEOUS

13.
OUR GOAL:
INCREASE COLORECTAL CANCER
SCREENING TO 80% BY 2018
Colon cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S.
for both men and women (when combined), and yet most
cases are preventable with early screenings. Currently,
fewer than six in ten U.S. adults aged 50-75 get their
recommended screening. To reverse that trend, we’re
removing barriers that include cost, transportation, and
resistance to colon cancer screening tests.
COLON CANCER IS
PREVENTABLE WITH
EARLY SCREENING.
“
– C ANC ER FACTS & FIGURES 2015
WE ARE THE COURAGEOUS

14.
SMOKING PROGRAM HELPS
PEOPLE QUIT FOR GOOD
Participants in the Quit For Life® program –
brought to you by the American Cancer Society
and Alere Wellbeing – are matched with a coach
and personalized quit plan. The Quit For Life®
program serves 700 employers and 27 state
agencies. Results show a 49% success rate – nine
times more effective than quitting without help.
!
SUCCESS RATE
OF QUITTING
FOR LIFE
49%
ACS CAN MAKES CANCER A
NATIONAL PRIORITY
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
– the Society's nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy
affiliate – promotes change at all levels of
government and holds public officials accountable.
It funds aggressive grassroots lobbying and media
campaigns for policies that keep us healthy, like
anti-smoking laws and improving access to quality,
affordable healthcare.
WE ARE THE COURAGEOUS

15.
SURVIVOR GIVES COURAGE
TO COLOSTOMY PATIENTS
Mauricio was an extreme sport enthusiast when he
was diagnosed with colon cancer. He had 13 inches
of his colon removed and had to use a colostomy bag
attached to his abdomen. He researched alternatives
and discovered the irrigation method of managing a
colostomy. It took six months, but now he’s back to
mountain biking and rock climbing. Mauricio spent
two years traveling through Colombia speaking to
patients with a colostomy.
“I FELT THERE
WAS A PURPOSE
BEHIND EVERYTHING
I WENT THROUGH.
!
YOU ARE THE COURAGEOUS

16.
12-YEAR-OLD GIRL GETS CREATIVE TO
FUNDRAISE IN MEMORY OF HER FATHER
Although his diagnosis came as a surprise, Zia stood by
her father’s side through doctors’ visits, chemo and
ultimately, when it was time to say goodbye. Zia honors
her father by creating handmade bracelets to raise
awareness and donations. To date, she has raised over
$11,000 for ACS – proof that courage doesn’t have an age
requirement. "I know what it feels like to lose someone;
it's really hard. I don't want other kids to go through it."
YOU ARE THE COURAGEOUS

17.
DETERMINED
WE ARE THE

18.
We are committed to our vision and never give up the fight.
So that no one ever gives up hope.
It’s what is giving us the advantage.
DETERMINATION

19.
RELAY FOR LIFE COLORS
THE WORLD PURPLE TO RAISE
CANCER AWARENESS AND FUNDS
Our Relay For Life program is the world’s largest grassroots
cancer fundraising event and the embodiment of our
determination. Relay participants celebrate victories,
remember those we’ve lost, and constantly take action,
raising more than $1 million per day across 6,000 events
per year in 23 countries.
6,000
EVENTS PER YEAR:
WE ARE THE DETERMINED

20.
MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST
CANCER IS THE LARGEST NETWORK
OF BREAST CANCER EVENTS
Our Making Strides events unite nearly 300 communities
with a shared determination to finish the fight against
breast cancer. Every breast cancer event is an inspiring
opportunity to honor those who have battled breast
cancer. It also raises money to help the American Cancer
Society eradicate the disease through research and early
detection, and promote access to mammograms to
women who need them.
WE ARE THE DETERMINED
300
EVENTS PER YEAR:

21.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS
AMPLIFY OUR MISSION
We partner with thousands of businesses and
nonprofit organizations to increase cancer awareness,
promote healthy living, and raise funds for cancer.
Many companies offer their employees the opportunity
to support the American Cancer Society through
workplace giving campaigns.
AND MORE…
WE ARE THE DETERMINED

22.
YOU ARE THE DETERMINED
“RELAY FOR LIFE SAVED MY LIFE”
Josh was diagnosed with melanoma almost six years
ago at the age of 20. He found it on his scalp thanks to
a dare to shave his head at a local Relay For Life event.
We all know Relay For Life events are challenging, but
for Josh it was LIFESAVING. Josh continues to Relay
and looks for opportunities to spread the word about
early detection of skin cancer. “Even if my experience
helps one person, it’s worth everything.”

23.
SURVIVOR ATTENDS A MAKING
STRIDES EVENT – AND LEARNS
SHE’S NOT ALONE
When Kendall was diagnosed with breast cancer
at age 37, she made up her mind to maintain a
positive outlook. She continued to do the things she
enjoyed and was determined to carry through on her
wedding plans – even if it meant walking down the
aisle in a designer wig. During Kendall’s cancer journey,
she went to a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
walk and immediately connected with the event, the
people, and the cause – and she has been rallying
others to join her ever since.
THERE ARE PEOPLE
GOING THROUGH THE
SAME THING, AND
THEY UNDERSTAND
THE FIGHT.!
“
YOU ARE THE DETERMINED

24.
INNOVATIVE
WE ARE THE

25.
We think outside of the box. We fund all types of cancer research so that
we can continue to make advances in prevention and treatments.
It’s what is giving us the advantage.
INNOVATIVE

26.
OUR FUNDING OF INNOVATIVE
RESEARCH HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE
SHARP DECLINE IN CANCER DEATHS
We’re investing more than $450 million in over 50 types
of cancer research. We’ve become experts at identifying
visionary scientists early in their careers and our track
record speaks for itself, as 47 of our funded researchers
are Nobel Laureates. Our funding of innovation is one
reason why the cancer death rate has declined by 23%
since 1991.
WE ARE THE INNOVATIVE
47
OF OUR FUNDED
RESEARCHERS
ARE NOBEL
LAUREATES

27.
IT’S THE INNOVATIVE
PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN
OUR VOLUNTEERS AND
RESEARCHERS THAT MAKES
OUR CANCER PREVENTION
STUDIES THE GEM OF OUR
RESEARCH PROGRAM.
“
– ALPA P ATEL, PhD ,
A MERIC AN CANCE R SOCIETY
WE ARE THE INNOVATIVE
THE SOCIETY CONDUCTS ITS OWN
RESEARCH TO IDENTIFY CANCER RISKS
Our Cancer Prevention Study (CPS-3) is the largest
contemporary study of its kind in the country. It seeks
to uncover environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors
that might cause cancer both today and in the next
generation. During the past 60 years, 2.5 million
passionate volunteers have participated in our
population studies, sharing information about their
lifestyle, medical history, and even their DNA.

28.
RESEARCHER USES FRUIT FLY
“AVATARS” TO DEVELOP PERSONALIZED
CANCER TREATMENTS
We funded Ross Cagan, PhD, of Mt. Sinai Hospital in New
York, who is taking one of the more creative approaches
to personalized cancer treatment. Dr. Cagan breeds fruit
flies to mimic the genetic mutations in patients. When the
flies develop tumors, he tests all 1,200 drugs in his library
to find the right combination. Once he finds a cocktail of
two or three drugs that work against the tumor, he sends
the information to the patient.
WE ARE THE INNOVATIVE

29.
RESEARCHER TRIES TO
LULL CANCER TO SLEEP
American Cancer Society-funded researcher
Xiaoting Zhang, PhD, is investigating ways
to lull breast cancer cells into a permanent
sleep, known as senescence. Dr. Zhang calls
this “a potent inhibitor of cancer growth” that
could potentially stop a tumor in its tracks.
WE ARE THE INNOVATIVE

30.
PASSIONATE
WE ARE THE

31.
Others hear the conviction in our voices and feel the impact of our actions.
It’s what is giving us the advantage.
PASSIONATE

32.
WE’RE SNUFFING OUT TOBACCO
IN THE U.S. AND ABROAD
We’ve been fighting to save lives from tobacco for more
than 50 years. Our early studies linking smoking with
lung cancer contributed to the U.S. Surgeon General’s
first report on smoking and health in 1964. We’re now
taking on the changing landscape of tobacco control
by creating the ACS Center for Tobacco Control.
TOBACCO USE
ACCOUNTS FOR
AT LEAST 30%
OF ALL CANCER
DEATHS.
“
– C ANC ER FACTS & FIGURES 2015
WE ARE THE PASSIONATE

33.
CANCER SURVIVORS NETWORK℠
IS AN ONLINE PEER
SUPPORT COMMUNITY
Our Cancer Survivors Network provides a safe
online connection to find others who have similar
experiences and interests. Members can join chat
rooms and build their own support network of
CSN members.
csn.cancer.org
!
WE ARE THE PASSIONATE
REACH TO RECOVERY™
GIVES BREAST CANCER PATIENTS
ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT
Sometimes, the best support comes from someone
who has been through a comparable experience.
The Reach To Recovery program pairs breast cancer
patients with volunteers who have had similar
diagnoses and treatment plans to provide more
personal, one-on-one support.
PATIENTS SERVED
SINCE 1969
1.5M+
SURVIVORS IN
U.S. TODAY
14.5M

34.
YOU ARE THE PASSIONATE
SURVIVOR URGES NEWLY DIAGNOSED
TO REACH OUT FOR HELP
More than a decade ago, Sally was diagnosed with
Stage II breast cancer. While in treatment, she attended a
session of the Look Good Feel Better® program, where she
learned beauty tips to help her overcome the appearance-
related side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. Sally
had such a great experience that she joined a Making
Strides Against Breast Cancer team – and then trained as a
volunteer for Reach To Recovery, where she could mentor
other women. Her advice for the newly diagnosed: get out
there, get online, and talk to people.
“GET IN TOUCH
WITH THE AMERICAN
CANCER SOCIETY.
GET ONLINE,
TALK TO PEOPLE.
IT REALLY HELPS.
Look Good Feel Better is a collaboration of the American Cancer Society, the
Personal Care Products Council Foundation, and the Professional Beauty
Association (PBA).

35.
YOU ARE THE PASSIONATE
“PEOPLE AT
LOOK GOOD
FEEL BETTER
KNOW WHAT YOU’RE
GOING THROUGH
SURVIVOR GAINS A NEW
PERSPECTIVE AFTER LOOK GOOD
FEEL BETTER WORKSHOP
When breast and cervical cancer survivor Kari lost her hair
during chemotherapy treatments, she never thought she’d
look normal or feel good about herself again. But Kari
found help at a Look Good Feel Better workshop, where
she was offered expert beauty guidance from caring
volunteers to help improve her self image as her body
changed during cancer treatment.

36.
EMPATHETIC
WE ARE THE

37.
We are compassionate and seek to understand those we’re helping on a deeper level.
It’s what is giving us the advantage.
EMPATHETIC

38.
WE HELP PATIENTS NAVIGATE THE
OVERWHELMING CANCER JOURNEY
We understand that a cancer diagnosis is terrifying
and overwhelming. That’s why our patient navigators
are trained to listen to patients, guide them along their
journey and connect them to the resources they
need – whether it’s help with financial challenges, rides
to medical appointments, or even being at their side as
they get treatment.
WE ARE THE EMPATHETIC

39.
WE HELP WOMEN
LOOK GOOD AND FEEL BETTER
Cancer treatment can significantly alter a patient's
appearance. Since 1987, The Look Good Feel Better
program has helped people feel more like
themselves, by teaching hands-on beauty
techniques. It’s offered as a collaboration of the
American Cancer Society, Personal Care Products
Council Foundation, and Professional Beauty.
EVERYONE DESERVES
A FIGHTING CHANCE
Some minority groups and people without health
insurance are more likely to get cancer – and die
from it. Our CHANGE grants promote health equity
by facilitating corporate investments of $26 million
in 350 grants to communities with a high cancer
burden. As a result, we’ve funded 518,000 low or no-
cost cancer screenings in underserved communities.
!
518,000
NO- OR LOW-COST
SCREENINGS
WE ARE THE EMPATHETIC

40.
SURVIVOR GUIDES NEWLY
DIAGNOSED ALONG THEIR JOURNEY
When Ruth was diagnosed with Stage III non-small
cell lung cancer in 2004, she channeled all the energy she
had into fighting cancer. Now, as a patient navigator, she
channels that same energy into supporting newly
diagnosed patients with everything from arranging
transportation, to understanding cancer information,
and much more. “I tell them that I am a survivor, and I’m
here to help them, and their faces light up.”
YOU ARE THE EMPATHETIC
“I TELL THEM
THAT I AM A SURVIVOR,
AND I’M HERE TO HELP
THEM, AND THEIR
FACES LIGHT UP.

41.
SURVIVOR DOESN’T WANT OTHER
PATIENTS TO FACE IT ALONE
When Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer, she
developed an uncomfortable arm swelling known as
lymphedema. That’s when she learned about the
Reach To Recovery program, which connects trained
volunteers who’ve had breast cancer with newly
diagnosed patients. Linda became a volunteer herself
and spent the next 13 years offering support. “No one
should have to face breast cancer alone.”
YOU ARE THE EMPATHETIC
“I DIDN’T WANT OTHER
WOMEN TO HAVE THE
SAME ISSUES I DID.

42.
CARING
WE ARE THE

43.
We provide special attention and care for those
touched by cancer, each and every day.
It’s what is giving us the advantage.
CARING

44.
HOPE LODGE® HELPS PATIENTS
ACCESS THE CARE THEY NEED
We provide a wealth of services that care for cancer
patients and their families, but perhaps none as unique
as our Hope Lodge facilities. Our 32 American Cancer
Society Hope Lodge locations provide a free home-away-
from-home for patients. It’s more than just a roof over
your head, it’s a nurturing community where patients
share stories and offer each other emotional support.
Our Hope Lodge facilities have saved 550,000 patients
more than $466 million in lodging costs.
WE ARE THE CARING
WE’VE PROVIDED MORE THAN
4 MILLION
FREE NIGHTS OF LODGING

45.
OUR 24/7 LIFELINE IS
ALWAYS OPEN
Our National Cancer Information Center connects
people with cancer information, a clinical trial
matching service, health insurance assistance,
cancer information, transportation and lodging
requests — or just provides a compassionate ear.
We respond to about 800,000 inquiries a year via
phone, email and chat in multiple languages.
OUR VOLUNTEERS
PROVIDE FREE RIDES
Without our Road To Recovery program,
some people would have no way to get to their
treatments. Since 2005, specially trained
volunteers have provided 6.3 million free rides for
cancer patients to and from treatment-related
medical appointments.
6.3 M
FREE RIDES
800,000
INQUIRIES A YEAR
WE ARE THE CARING

46.
HOPE LODGE HELPS PATIENT
FOCUS ON GETTING WELL
Frank needed to travel over 100 miles to a major
treatment center to treat his prostate cancer. Then
he needed seven weeks of specialized radiation
treatment to make sure the cancer was completely
gone. Frank’s doctor suggested he stay at Hope
Lodge. “The best thing was being able to discuss
how you feel with other guests, and know they
understand.”
YOU ARE THE CARING
“I JUST DON’T KNOW
WHAT A LOT OF
PEOPLE WOULD DO
WITHOUT HOPE LODGE.

47.
OUR 24/7 LIFELINE HELPS
PATIENTS WHEN THEY DON’T
KNOW WHERE TO TURN
Jay, an information specialist at the National
Cancer Information Center, helps patients with
routine questions like what they can expect with
chemotherapy treatment. Other times, the
questions are complex, like when a doctor has given
a terminal diagnosis and the patient wants to know
how to handle it.
YOU ARE THE CARING
“ONE OF THE MOST
REWARDING THINGS –
HELPING PATIENTS
FIGURE OUT WHICH
QUESTIONS TO ASK.

48.
WE’RE MAKING AN IMPACT
Together, we are a
united force against all cancers.
Whether it's advocating for lifesaving change, honoring a loved one, funding groundbreaking
research, motivating communities to donate, delivering vital patient services, or listening to the
story of someone's journey. Every action moves us one step closer toward achieving a
world free from the pain and suffering of cancer.

49.
WE’RE MAKING AN IMPACT
WHO WILL I BE TODAY?
So every morning, ask yourself:

50.
BE COURAGEOUS
Advocate for a cancer patient.
Schedule a cancer screening.
BE DETERMINED
Join a Relay For Life team.
Fundraise for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
BE INNOVATIVE
Donate to cancer research.
Empower yourself with knowledge at cancer.org.
BE PASSIONATE
Talk to loved ones about a healthy diet.
Encourage a friend to quit smoking.
BE EMPATHETIC
Support a breast cancer patient.
Donate your ponytail for a wig.
BE CARING
Make dinner for Hope Lodge patients.
Drive a patient to a medical appointment.

51.
JOIN US TODAY

52.
Freeing the world from the
pain and suffering of cancer.