Special Coverage

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women, but is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The risk of developing lung cancer is highest in smokers, but many people who do not smoke also develop lung cancer each year. Learn about the American Cancer Society's comprehensive approach to combating lung cancer.

After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. But millions of women are surviving the disease thanks in part to early detection and improvements in treatment.

The American Cancer Society is actively fighting breast cancer by helping women get tested to find breast cancer earlier, understand their treatment options, and cope with the physical and emotional side effects. We also fund research to help find better ways to prevent, detect, and treat breast cancer.

Today, because of advances in treatment, a high percentage of children diagnosed with cancer will live into adulthood. But, sometimes the treatments that help children survive cancer also raise their risk for health problems as they get older. Learn how the American Cancer Society is involved in fighting childhood cancer and finding ways to improve treatments so there are fewer effects later in life.

The American Cancer Society regularly reviews the science and updates screening recommendations when new evidence suggests that a change may be needed. Learn about the latest guideline designed to save lives by finding colorectal cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be successful, or by preventing it in the first place by finding and removing pre-cancerous polyps.

Each June, cancer survivors celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day, sponsored by the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation. The event, which includes hundreds of life-affirming gatherings across the US, is a time for the more than 15.5 million cancer survivors in the US to celebrate life.

The Friday before Memorial Day is designated Don’t Fry Day – a day to raise awareness of sun safety and encourage everyone to take steps to protect their skin. Learn what you can do to help lower your risk for skin cancer.

Every April the American Cancer Society and other organizations work together to raise awareness about cancer among minorities in honor of National Minority Health Month and National Minority Cancer Awareness Week.

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in the US for men and women. But colon and rectal cancers can be prevented or caught early, when they might be easier to treat. That’s why getting screened is so important. Learn more about colon and rectal cancer, screening tests, and lifesaving research.

Every February 4th, the world population unites in the fight against cancer. Events are planned in cities around the world to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

An increase in routine testing for cervical cancer over the last 30 years has helped reduce deaths by more than half. The American Cancer Society helps women get tested for cervical cancer, helps them understand their diagnosis, and helps them get the treatments they need. The American Cancer Society also funds new research to help prevent, find, and treat cervical cancer.

The American Cancer Society regularly reviews the science and updates screening recommendations when new evidence suggests that a change may be needed. Learn about the latest guideline designed to save lives by finding breast cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

It has been 50 years since the landmark Surgeon General’s report linking smoking to lung cancer and other diseases – a report that launched the anti-tobacco movement in the U.S. Learn more about how American Cancer Society research helped establish that link.